Well, I promised earlier that I would perhaps have a few words to say regarding Andre Agassi’s memorable run to the finals of the U.S. Open.
Agassi lost today, he hung in for three sets against world No. 1 Roger Federer — who seemed to find a higher gear in the third-set tiebreak. Federer, an astounding athlete and unbelievable player, summarily dismissed Agassi after that point, hitting improbable shot after remarkable shot.
Agassi fought, but took his loss with grace, though, like any champion, it must have burned. Anyway, it was a memorable run to the finals, one which has several pundits wondering whether or not Agassi can continue to play. Regardless, Agassi’s maturation process, growth as an athlete, and as a person has all been public. And regardless, Agassi will always be the people’s champion — though Federer and, of course, Pete Sampras may technically be the best.
Since I’m struggling to eloquently express my appreciation for Agassi’s career, I’ll leave you with a link to a well-done piece that, I think, adequately expresses what most of Agassi’s fans must feel.
Somehow, despite his wealth and fame and celebrity, Agassi was the everyman.
Hadn’t everyone been a rebellious kid? Hadn’t everyone been into Day-Glo shorts? Hadn’t everyone misstepped with love once or twice?
It’s been a long ride, from jean shorts and long hair and Nikes to cortisone shots and adidas and game plans, but it’s been appreciated. The ride may not be over, but the horizon is certainly in the near future. Well done, Andre.
It looked like he just gave up after the tiebreak set. Federer just destroyed him with serves. Agassi’s back was clearly hurting him throughout the match. It was also nice to see Mary Pierce lose in the final after the stunt she pulled in the semis.
So here’s a funny tennis story. I purchased tickets (quite expensive ones, I might add) to go see Mr. Agassi play earlier in the Open. I’ve always been a big tennis fan, and thought I should probably go see the Old Man play while he can still walk. So I left work a little early, and my companion and I took the ass-long 7-Train ride out to Flushing Meadows. We made our way through the teeming gauntlet to the front gates of Arthur Ashe Stadium (seriously, I think the entire population of Connecticut had descended upon Queens.) We proudly presented our tickets to the gate staff, who looked up and told us that Ticketmaster sold us tickets for the night before. Huzzah!
Yow. So you missed out on the $65 bottles of water.