The Legend bids goodbye: Andre Agassi

I was reading my friend's blog, a post about 'Federer moments' by Wallace. Wallace goes on to describe certain parts of Federer's play where, when pushed to the edge and there seems to be no way out, Roger Federer digs out an impossible shot. He actually says "It was like something out of The Matrix".

As I read it, and watched the accompanying video, I wasn't thinking about Federer. He, as everyone suspects, is probably from some other planet. No! What I kept thinking was... the guy who was pushing Federer to the limits was my idol, who was written off back when I was in still in school! Wallace was talking about the 2005 US Open finals match between Andre Agassi and Roger Federer.

This time around it would be tough on Andre, with an ailing back and a not-so-great year he faces Andrei Pavel tonight in the first round. Assuming he gets through, he could be facing No. 8 seed, Marcos Baghdatis, in the second round. The guy who has had an inspired year so far, he was stopped in the earlier Grand Slams of the year only by the top two names in tennis now - in Australian Open finals by Roger Federer and in Wimbledon Semis by Rafael Nadal. Reason would say that Andre wouldn't make it past the second round.

Then again, Agassi's career has been one where he has defied reasoning throughout, like last year when he reached the finals only to be stopped by Roger "Superman" Federer.

Me, I would be following the last appearance of my favorite star, and wishing for a dash of magic; the Agassi magic :)


Note: US Open 2006 also marks the debut of Instant Replays.