Agassi long goodbye reaches climax at US Open
Monday, 28 August 2006Eight-time Grand Slam winner Andre Agassi seeks the fountain of youth as he closes out his glorious two-decade tennis career at the US Open.
'I am looking forward to this week,' Agassi said. 'I have my good days and my not-so-good days. But to be here, the inspiration of it, I'm hoping to get out there and feel awesome.'
Agassi burst into the US Open as a brash 16-year-old who wasn't afraid to speak his mind and he leaves as one of tennis' most dynamic and popular players.
'There were times when Andre had a chip on his shoulder,' said retired American tennis legend John McEnroe. 'Then he dedicated himself to the sport and he's become this incredible ambassador.'
Agassi has had mixed results in limited playing time this season. Back and hip problems have reduced his schedule and he has won just eight of 15 matches.
'It will be emotional,' Agassi said of his swansong event. 'I have yet to prepare myself properly for the emotions throughout this whole sort of summer and most of the year.'
'In this case I am sure I am underestimating everything I'm going to feel and experience.'
One thing the 36-year-old Agassi has been able to do almost better than anyone else is define and re-define his career. After reaching No. 1 in 1995, Agassi plummeted to No. 141 two years later. He regained the No. 1 ranking in 1999.
