Andre Agassi's professional tennis career came to an end today at Flushing Meadows after he was beaten by 25-year-old qualifier Benjamin Becker 7-5 6-7(4-7) 6-4 7-5.
Agassi made his final competitive appearance on a tennis court in New York, 14 years after claiming the first of his eight grand slam titles with victory at Wimbledon.
Becker held the initiative in their third-round clash after taking the first set before the 36-year-old hit back to win the second on a tie-break.
The German restored his lead in the third set, although the American seemed to have claimed the upper hand in fourth with a number of fierce service games and held set point on his opponent's serve which he failed to convert.
Becker played some brilliant shots in the following game to break Agassi and prepare to serve for the match against the only man to have won all four grand slams as well as the Olympic title.
The 25-year-old faced a stern test of his nerve facing not just Agassi but the vociferous American crowd and he coped admirably and when the American put a shot marginally long he held three match points.
Becker served a clean ace and clinched the match 7-5 6-7 6-4 7-5.
Agassi paid an emotional tribute to his fans after the match. Fighting back the tears he addressed a capacity crowd at Flushing Meadows.
'The scoreboard said I lost but what the scoreboard doesn't say is what I have found,' Agassi told Sky Sports. 'Over the last 21 years I have found loyalty on the court and also in life. I have found inspiration, sometimes even in my lowest moments and I have found generosity.'
Agassi, who paused to take in the roars of approval that greeted his words, then addressed his fans directly.
'You have given me your shoulders to stand on to reach my dreams,' he continued. 'Over 21 years I have found you and I will take you and the memory of you with me for the rest of my life.'
