Tennis Legend - Andre Agassi

The legend is Andre Agassi.

September 4th in US open, Agassi ended his 21-year tennis career with 61titles (60 are singles), in a lost to Benjamin Becker, 25, who won his 5th carrer game. After Pete Sampress retired at 2003, I seldom care or even watch tennis. Idon't even know who Roger Federer is. (Roger Federer is looking for his 3straight US open title this week.)

In wikipedia, it says in the last paragraph of the section, "2006: The end of an era", "On September 03, 2006 Andre Agassi's illustrious and champioship filled tenniscareer came to an end. Benjamin Becker of Germany (ranked 112th), the 2004 NCAAMen's Single's Tennis Champion, dispatched the American legend 7-5, 6-7, 6-4,7-5 in the third round of Agassi's 21st US Open. Agassi leaves the sport witheight Grand Slams and 60 titles. He was saluted with a standing ovation by thespectators at Arthur Ashe stadium while he delivered a heartfelt, tearfulgood-bye to all the fans who supported and carried him throughout his legendarycareer."

The whole court was occupied by his fans including his 2-year old daughter and4-year old son who has no idea what was going on, many of whom were crying whenthe game came to the end when young Becker served a game-winning ace. I believethey cried not because of the lost but their dream, "the legend who livesforever", is just a dream. Agassi was deeply touched by the crowd and weeping.

After speechless for 10 mins, he finally stood up with his famous kiss to thefans again and again, saying, "The scoreboard says I lost today, but whatscoreboard doesn't say is what it is I have found. Over the last 21 years Ihave found loyalty; you have pulled for me on the court and also in life."Looking around the sold-out seats, he continued, "I have found inspiration.You have willed me to succeed, sometimes even in my lowest moments. And I havefound generosity. You have given me your shoulders to stand on to reach for mydreams; dreams I could never have reached without you. Over the the last 21years I have found you and I will take you and the memory of you with me fordifferent. I think in fans' hearts, the legend lives forever.

If you haven't gotten a chance to watch the game, you won't wanna miss them: