Few tennis players are happy when they watch an unstoppable shot streak past them. But for 19-year-old Mark, few things could be better. Especially when those unstoppable shots are coming from the racket of eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi.

The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation^® and the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® doubled up to grant Mark’s wish to meet Agassi. Mark traveled from his home in Huntingdon, Pa., for the Bryan Brothers’ All-Star Tennis Smash at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Agassi welcomed Mark to center court for an unforgettable lesson – and served up a few examples of why he’s a tennis legend.

They spent more than an hour volleying on the stadium court, with Agassi coming to the net and offering Mark pointers several times. They wrapped up the session with a friendly game – as they played, tennis fans were trickling in for the afternoon of charity matches. They cheered as Agassi and Mark exchanged shots. Occasionally, Agassi would fire a full-power, pro-style blast over the net, delighting his wish student.

“It is the most amazing thing that could ever happen to you, if you like tennis,” Mark said, savoring the memory.

Afterward, Mark enjoyed the use of the VIP locker room and again met up with Agassi. Mark offered him a few gifts to remember the occasion: Huntingdon Tennis t-shirts for Agassi and his wife, plus a Penn State sweatshirt. Agassi also had a parting gift for Mark – the racquet that he used during the charity event, which he autographed.

“That’s sitting in my room, at home where nobody touches it!” Mark said, laughing.

He added that the wish brought joy to his family who accompanied him – parents Alan and Kathy and brother David. Every bit of it, from his health obstacles to meeting Agassi, is a blessing in Mark’s eyes.

Agassi thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to make Mark’s wish come true. Reflecting on the day, Agassi commented, “Mark is an engaging, soulful young man who taught me to enjoy and appreciate the time we have. It was a privilege for me, more than Mark will ever know, to be a part of his wish.”

When he wasn’t getting tennis advice from Agassi, Mark also watched a pro-am doubles match featuring James Blake. The two met after the match, and he also spent time chatting with the event hosts, Mike and Bob Bryan, who recently won the Olympic men’s doubles bronze medal and their second U.S. Open men’s doubles title. Mark also caught a glimpse of women’s tennis star Lindsay Davenport.

Mark’s mother, Kathy, marveled at the time Agassi devoted to her son’s wish. She was told the tournament was Agassi’s only public tennis appearance for 2008.

“And he chose to spend an hour with my son,” Kathy said. “Mark got the greatest gift of all.”

By Justin Schmid