August 27, 2006

read story | posted by mr_crash_davis to Tennis at 6:23 PM CDT (10 comments total)

Great article. Only makes me like Andre more.

posted by worldcup2002 at 6:30 PM CDT on August 27

He had a very positive impact on his sport, and he obviously makes an effort to do the same in the community. Andre will always be a champ in my book.

posted by mjkredliner at 7:39 PM CDT on August 27

Classy guy, on and off of the court. Im glad he knew when to retire too. Lots of guys now-a-days dont know when to hang it up, but Agassi retired with his dignity intact. A real winner as a tennis player, and as a person.

posted by Kendall at 9:35 PM CDT on August 27

I'll always remember with a smile that I got to see Andre in the flesh and all his mulleted glory at a charity event in Ohio, when he squared up against McEnroe (I think he played singles against and that paired up with Mac), Borg and Gerulaitis. The tennis was fun and funny, as you can expect from the tricks and Mac's banter. Good times, good times.

posted by worldcup2002 at 12:19 PM CDT on August 28

That was a lot more information than I knew about him. I did catch some of his matches and enjoyed his antics. What a class act. Anybody who helps kids get through school is a hero, I don't care thier status.

posted by Psycho at 3:49 PM CDT on August 28

Andre Agassi may not be the greatest tennis champion but he is certainly the classiest and derfinitely the most interesting athlete in pro sports today. He will never be replaced.

posted by sickleguy at 4:32 PM CDT on August 28

He has 60 ATP titles, eight Grand Slam titles and is one of only five players to win all four Slams, doing it in inimitable, pigeon-toed fashion - taking the ball on the rise, returning as few players ever have, redefining how a match could be dominated from the backcourt.

That's what I liked most about his play. He took the game right to his opponent. He charged the ball instead of sitting back. "Taking the ball on the rise" is what made him so much fun to watch. My favorite player of all, Ilie Nastase, played the same "in your face" way

posted by commander cody at 10:41 PM CDT on August 28

Andre beats Andrei (Pavel) 6-7 (4), 7-6 (8), 7-6 (6), 6-2 in a 3.5-hour first round grinder. Ouch.

posted by worldcup2002 at 12:44 AM CDT on August 29

It ain't that much of a grinder unless he goes five sets.

Just looking at the score, though, you can see where he picked up steam. He won that second set tiebreak and then lost three quick games, which was where I signed off. Then he wins 13 out of the next 21, not too shabby.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 6:40 AM CDT on August 29

Agassi's got a flare for the dramatic, and being on center stage last night made it fun to watch men's tennis again, something that can't really be said much anymore. There's still tremendously talented players, but they just don't have the personality and character of guys like Agassi, as well as many former stars that preceeded him. If Andre can make a run, it will make this great tournament so much more interesting. I've got my fingers crossed.

posted by dyams at 7:13 AM CDT on August 29

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