See you again, Andre...!
It's a fact that the 2005 US open is over; no more speculations, Andre Agassi cannot win it anymore; perhaps he cannot win anymore grandslams. World champion Roger Federer won yesterday hands down. However, it's also a fact that in order to win Federer had to raise the level of his tennis to a height that Agassi's age and his legendary returns could not reach. Before the match I had this thought - If there is anyone who can possibly beat Federer the invincible, it is only Agassi, not Roddick, not Hewitt, not Safin, not anyone else!
Federer played his best tennis. Agassi lost heat after the third round tie breaker. The game was one sided in the fourth round and Federer wrapped up the championship in good time. Perhaps, it should have been a much more exciting match. Perhaps it should have been decided through a 5th set tie breaker. Well... but we should remember that the 35 year old was playing against potentially the greatest player the game has ever produced.
The above statements mean no condescent to Agassi's genius and charm, nonetheless. I totally endorse the commentator (I don't remember who) who said- "When the history of tennis is written... when the history of sports is written, this man deserves a big chapter..!"- after Agassi's marathon semi finals win against Ginepri. I second Federer who said he wants Agassi to come back again and play more wonderful tennis. See you again, Agassi... not because you have not acheived enough, not because you can win more grandslams... not just because you could possibly beat Federer, not just because you are the greatest returners that the game has seen thus far... because of the sheer joy and excitement associated with your play.
Federer is perhaps already standing along with Rod Laver and Pete Sampras, but so is Agassi. Federer is like Sampras. Probably is more perfect, more calm and hence more 'boring'. Incidentally, Sampras has been my favorite player. However, Agassi is different. He is uniquely charming. Yesterday he thanked New York for the last 20 years, that probably was a hint at retirement. But I sincerely hope that we'll see more of him.
Federer played his best tennis. Agassi lost heat after the third round tie breaker. The game was one sided in the fourth round and Federer wrapped up the championship in good time. Perhaps, it should have been a much more exciting match. Perhaps it should have been decided through a 5th set tie breaker. Well... but we should remember that the 35 year old was playing against potentially the greatest player the game has ever produced.
The above statements mean no condescent to Agassi's genius and charm, nonetheless. I totally endorse the commentator (I don't remember who) who said- "When the history of tennis is written... when the history of sports is written, this man deserves a big chapter..!"- after Agassi's marathon semi finals win against Ginepri. I second Federer who said he wants Agassi to come back again and play more wonderful tennis. See you again, Agassi... not because you have not acheived enough, not because you can win more grandslams... not just because you could possibly beat Federer, not just because you are the greatest returners that the game has seen thus far... because of the sheer joy and excitement associated with your play.
Federer is perhaps already standing along with Rod Laver and Pete Sampras, but so is Agassi. Federer is like Sampras. Probably is more perfect, more calm and hence more 'boring'. Incidentally, Sampras has been my favorite player. However, Agassi is different. He is uniquely charming. Yesterday he thanked New York for the last 20 years, that probably was a hint at retirement. But I sincerely hope that we'll see more of him.
If a player can beat Federer its Nadal or Hewitt. You watched the semifinals? The quality of that game was far far better than the finals! Agreed federer was given a tough opposition by andre. But against hewitt, federer had to play his best tennis ever!!!!
And Andres records against Federer is extremely poor!! So no way Agassi could have beaten Roger :-)
Posted by
Anonymous |
6:09 AM, September 12, 2005
Nadal has flair, is talented, no doubt. But I would like to see more of him. Hewitt is good, probably the fastest, faster than Agassi, but still Agassi's returns and his backhands off the baseline. Hewitt cannot read serves as well as Agassi. Critics say Federer is as good as or slightly better than Agassi in terms of reading serves. That itself is complement enough for Agassi.
And on the question of records, Hewitt's records are as bad as Agassi's. Against Agassi he has a 8-3, and has won last 8 meetings. Against Hewitt he has 11-7, but has won the last 9 meetings. That's an indication to Federer's form in the last 20 months or so.
Agassi lost in the finals because Federer outplayed him. You cannot say he could not have won because of his poor record.
Posted by
Anonymous |
7:20 AM, September 12, 2005
slight correction - I had meant - "...but still Hewitt cannot match Agassi's returns and his backhands off the baseline."
Posted by
Anonymous |
7:21 AM, September 12, 2005
Am not comparing hewitt and agassi. I just said hewitt gave a better fight!
And Agassi has always been the second best except for some few weeks when Sampras wasnt at his best.
Best part about agassi is his return of serve and cool temperment. Even Sampras cried. But Agassi is a cool customer. Thats the best part of Andre than his return of serves!
Posted by
Anonymous |
11:05 PM, September 12, 2005
Agassi wasn't a cool customer to begin with. He evolved and matured with time. Moreover, he can win matches owing to his sheer determination; you can recall his QF against Blake, and his finals against Medvedev a couple of years ago.
Posted by
Anonymous |
11:42 PM, September 12, 2005