Andrei Agassi - The Legend Lives On
August 30th 2006 03:02
Lives to Fight Another Day
Like No Other
Andre Agassi is one of the most well known people in the history of tennis and has certainly worked hard to achieve that honour. He began his professional career in 1986, 20 long years ago and has consistently threatened the top players in the game the whole time. Now his retirement looms at the end of this tournament and the hopes and expectations of the world are on his shoulders. He took the court with a tear in his eye for his 21st US Open appearance and he planned on going out a winner, rather than forced out by a loss. His opponent would be the 75th ranked Andrei Pavel. The crowd was on edge and rightly so as a thriller unfolded before their eyes.
Andrei Agassi won his first title in Itaparica in 1987 and since then, with the exception of 97, he has added at least one more title every year until now. His current portfolio stands at 60 singles titles and a further 30 runner-up performances. He has managed to win the Australian Open four times, US Open twice and Wimbledon once. In 1999, Agassi became only the 5th person in history to win each of the Grand Slams, by taking the French in Roland Garos. Agassi is the only player in the open era to have won every Grand Slam singles title, the Masters, the Davis Cup, and an Olympic Gold medal. Agassi now stands on the verge of becoming the oldest winner of a Grand Slam if he can win the US Open, a fitting end to his illustrious career. Unfortunately many hopefuls stand in his way.
He has certainly proved his worth over the years, maintaining an 868-273 win/loss record. In 1995 his efforts were rewarded, edging past Sampras to become the world number one; not a simple task considering the latter is a 14-time Grand Slam winner who held the top spot for several years before and after Agassi. He regained the title for brief periods during 96, 99, 2000, and 2003. In fact, since Agassi entered the top 10 in 1988, he has only spent a total of 5 years outside it. That is a phenomenal achievement considering just how long he has been playing.
During his career he has amassed over US$31million in prize money, which he donated to various charities including the Agassi Foundation for underprivileged children.
But back to the game.
The crowd was excited before the first ball was even hit and it was clear who they wanted to win. The first set opened with Agassi storming to a 2-0 lead only to be broken straight back as both players felt around for that elusive “zone.” Soon they were trading baseline blows; running one another ragged across the court. The remainder of the set went on serve and it was Pavel who prevailed 7-4 in the tiebreaker. The second set was no easier. Agassi fought off a relentless attack on his serve to hold at 4-4 before it too ended in a tiebreaker. This time it was Agassi who held on to win it 10-8. With the sets level and the crowd against him, Pavel went for broke; smashing winners and running Agassi off the court. There were growing concerns that his lower back problem may start up again or his fitness may give out, especially as the match wore on.
“When I was in Wimbledon, it was an hour fifteen, an hour thirty and I was having a hard time standing. To be out there for that long gives me hope for what I can push myself through right now” (said Agassi at a press conference)
Pavel cruised to a four love lead and the set looked all but over. Suddenly Agassi made the call to change his racket. The new one would have a higher string tension giving greater power but less control. His altered game plan obviously worked, as Agassi took the next five games with relative ease. Once again they headed into a tiebreaker which Agassi took with a devastating forehand winner. The fourth set was almost a no contest as the former champ raced away to take the match 6-7(7-4), 7-6(10-8), 7-6(8-6), 6-2.
He was overwhelmed by the support and took a long time soaking it in. “you know how special it is, it feels very special to be out there”
After a 3.5 hour match, he seemed fit and well, but he’ll need to be for his next opponent; the wild Cypriot, Marcos Baghdatis. So will he win it?
“Stick around to see if I can do that. I mean, you know, miracles can happen, for sure.”
Stay tuned, Ciao
| 117 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
Comment by jon
Orble News
Urban Hint
Blog Adviser
Jon's Bookmarks
Debate Battle
Orblepedia
Orble Notes
Sydney WeekendNotes
Comment by Ragin Cajun
Observer's Post
Death By Myopia
Comment by Legally Brunette
My Wedding
Comment by Scarlett
Dessert
Being a true follower of the serve and volley game, my idols were Edberg and then Sampras.
But over the years, I've started to warm to his dedication, his personality and his graceful manner in victory and defeat - all of which are hall-marks of a great player.
After his retirement, tennis just won't quite be the same without the player that has graced the circuit for 20 long years.
I hope he gets the fairytale swansong so many feel he deserves. Happy retirement and many thanks for the wonderful displays you have given us over the years, Agassi!
Comment by TheCoach
He is definitely one of those players who will be spoken about generations later, and I for one am glad to have seen him play at his best.