September 5th, 2006 at 2:16 pm
It was very ironic that Andre Agassi’s last tennis match was against a guy with the same initials (and last name) of his old rival … Boris Becker. On Sunday, as expected his back gave out on him against his match with Benjamin Becker, and his last public speech on court fittingly paid tribute to his fans and showed that we have “lost” a unique, gifted character and one with the biggest heart in tennis …
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. Over the last 21 years, I have found you and I will take you and the memory of you with me for the rest of my life. Thank you.
He will always be a winner in my mind, a guy that showed that nothing is impossible … a person who succeeded against the odds, regardless of public doubt/ pressure and personal situations off the court. I am especially happy that he was given a standing ovation and cheers from his fellow players when he walked into the locker room after his last match. James Blake also paid a classy tribute by wearing a similiar bright tennis outfit/ spandex shorts/ bandana in his tennis match i.e. that of what Andre used to wear in the late 80s.
Here are some great links paying tribute to Agassi (courtesy of ESPN and Head.com):
- Agassi’s last ever post match interview
- Agassi was the best sound byte
- Career photo gallery
- Agassi gave until his body gave out
- Agassi’s career ends with four-set loss to Becker
- Evolution and appreciation of Agassi
- Decision to play on the right one
One Response to “There is only one Andre Agassi”
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kristarella said: @ 7:39 pm
September 5th, 2006
He’s a true champion. I never really got into tennis, I wasn’t a commited fan but I was always inclined to barrack for Agassi if I found myself watching an Open match. The end of an era for sure. I hope his family life is as successful as his career!