Agassi: The heart of tennis
What made Andre Agassi so special? If we speak regarding the achievements, they are astounding. Wimbledon champion in 1992. Super star. Then, ranked 141 in the world back away to play challengers. He didn’t go via the easy route of wild cards in his rise back and grinded his way up. The crowining glory has to be the 1999 French triumph which made him only the 5th man to win all four grand slams.
He has been an immense talent which is why, perhaps, a few people feel he achieved less compared to a Sampras. Agassi held his own even against Sampras and was the only opponent Sampras felt could defeat him even when Sampras was playing to his best. Agassi has had his roller coaster ride and it wasn’t as smooth as the Sampras career but he is a great in his own right and that should be that.
There was much more to Agassi than the achievements and the Sampras rivalry. Agassi was first the rebel and the enigma. Then, he became the super star. Then, he cut his hair off. I remember seeing this bald man with a frenchie playing tennis one fine day and thinking - ‘hmm good ground strokes and promising player. How have I not heard of him before.’ Then, the score board flashed Andre Agassi and it was a shocker. Apparently, balding gave Agassi a lot of tension for a long time and it was a huge relief for him when he cut off the famous hair.
The ground strokes were as good as that of any and the service return was the best in the world. All the while, the determination was inspirational. What I liked a lot about Agassi was the class with which he carried himself every where. The best parts were not his play but the way Agassi answered questions. He would always smile. He would never get abrasive. He would reply with a lot of respect to the question and always gave the perfect answer. Agassi was as good as the best diplomat in the world with words. Except, he didn’t use diplomacy.
When Sampras retired, Agassi said this:
You grow up with a guy, you compete against him for so long, he’s such a big part of your career, something that’s pretty special, so you do have that sense of personal regret that he’s not around any more. You miss having that around.
Many people are having the same feeling right now. Soon, we will say bye bye to the heart of tennis in the 90s and shouts of Agassssi between points will be heard no more. Thanks for the memories.
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