Andre Agassi Say Adieu
Tennis great Andre Agassi retired from the game of tennis in early-September after winding up his campaign in the US Open. And he went out with a bang, making it all the way to the third round before losing to a 25-year-old qualifier named Benjamin Becker, 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-5. It was a courageous effort by Agassi as he bucked back spasms and a number of aches and pains. In the end, despite Agassi's tremendous will and the support of a wildly cheering U.S. Open crowd that was all on its feet, Agassi lost his final game.
Agassi’s farewell announcement to fans of New York City was eloquent and touching. "The scoreboard said I lost today, but what the scoreboard doesn't say is what it is I have found. And over the last 21 years, I have found loyalty. You have pulled for me on the court and also in life. I've found inspiration. You have willed me to succeed, sometimes even in my lowest moments. And I've found generosity. You have given me your shoulders to stand on to reach for my dreams, dreams I could have never reached without you,” said Agassi.
With Agassi’s retirement, the curtain has come down on one of the most colorful and popular careers that tennis has ever witnessed, spanning two glorious decades and producing eight Grand Slam championships as well as a host of unforgettable moments on the tennis court.
Agassi’s retirement was a highly-anticipated one and closely-watched by tennis fans ever since the 36-year-old announced after Wimbledon that he would call it quits after the US Open. Even then, the announcement caused shock waves in the world of tennis. Many notable sports officials and commentators have paid homage to Agassi’s place in the pantheon of the sport. But as Agassi, himself said, there are no accolades more important to an athlete than those that come from his peers.
"He'll go down as one of the guys who changed our sport in a lot of ways, not only the way he played the game, but also the way that he conducted himself on and off the court," said 2002 Wimbledon champion and former world number one Lleyton Hewitt. "There are not too many more recognizable people in tennis. The sport probably owes a lot to him."
"His longevity and desire to compete at the highest level have been remarkable. He has brought a huge amount to our sport and will be missed," said Pete Sampras, the seven-time Wimbledon champion whose on-court rivalry with Agassi helped boost tennis' popularity in the 1990s.
"He's a legend," said reigning French Open champion Rafael Nadal.