Agassi Bows Out
Tennis legend Andre Agassi’s 20-year career ended in a 5-7 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 5-7 defeat to German qualifier Benjamin Becker at the US Open on Sunday.
The 36-year-old was clearly affected by the chronic back injury which hastened his decision to retire.
Backed by a fiercely patriotic crowd, Agassi battled courageously but Becker’s power proved too much.
The American legend fought back tears as the Arthur Ashe crowd, along with Becker, rose to applaud him.
“The scoreboard shows that I lost today, but what it doesn’t show is what I found,” he said.
“Over the last 20 years I have found loyalty, you have pulled me through on court and also in life.”
“I have found inspiration - you have willed me to succeed - and I have found generosity.”
“I thank you and I wiill take you and the memory with me for the rest of my life.”
Becker kept his nerve brilliantly in front of a crowd who were virtually silent whenever he won a point.
The German afterwards paid tribute to Agassi’s contribution to the game.
“He’s one of a kind,” said the 25-year-old.
“He gave so much to tennis. He’s such a gentleman and this is a great moment for him.”
“Whatever they do for him he deserves it. I wish him all the best - I know he will be very happy in life.”
After the match the players lined up in the locker room and gave him a standing ovation.
And understandably, the players have been falling over themselves to pay tribute to Agassi, perhaps the biggest worldwide star in the sport’s history.
ANDY RODDICK
“He’s obviously one of the best ever but I think what makes him so different is his crossover appeal.”
“He was able to take tennis to a totally different demographic, create interest in tennis at all times.”
JAMES BLAKE
“We all owe a little debt of gratitude for what he’s done because he’s transcended the sport to become an international superstar, more so than any other tennis player over the last 20 years.”
“That’s helped the exposure, and we all appreciate that.”
LINDSAY DAVENPORT
“In the last 20 years, he’s been the most important person we’ve had in our sport.”
“I think Billie Jean King made huge inroads for women, but Andre made our sport cool, popular with the younger crowd, exciting.”
“He’s beloved. Not many players become what he has become. You know that he is going to be equally famous and equally successful in his post career.”
LLEYTON HEWITT
“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.”
“There’s not too many more recognizable people in tennis. The sport probably owes a lot to him.”
BENJAMIN BECKER
“It’s a tough situation. You know it was his last match. Such a great guy. He inspired me when I grew up. Obviously, you kind of feel bad.”
“You saw him after the match crying. You get emotional, too. You have tears in your eyes.”
ANDY MURRAY
“I’m not going to lie, but I think 50 or 60% of people in the locker room were probably in tears as well and were holding it back. I know I was.”
“I’m sure all tennis players would love to have the respect that he has from all the players and the fans. Everybody loved him anywhere he went. He’s huge.”
SERENA WILLIAMS
“He’s had just such a positive influence I think on players’ attitudes.”
“He also had a great style. I think the game is going to miss him more than probably they miss anyone.”
RAFAEL NADAL
“He’s a legend of tennis. He is one of the most charismatic players in the world. He deserves respect and admiration from everybody.”
“He played a lot of years at an unbelievable level. That’s very, very difficult.”
