Agassi saved by Rafter's cramps

Andre Agassi has for the first time in his career defended a grand slam title, taking out the Australian Open final with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 thrashing of Frenchman Arnaud Clement. But he was lucky to be there, trailing by two sets to one against hometown hero Pat Rafter in the semifinals. However from there the former two-time U.S. Open suffered from cramps, and Agassi crusied through to the final in five sets.

The match up between Agassi and Rafter was worthy of a final. The Australian, who has been plauged with injuries throughout his career announced that this would be his final Australian Open, and he clearly intended on going out on a high note. The first set was close, with a single break of serve going to Agassi, who served it out 7-5. But in the second Rafter hit back strongly, overpowering Agassi to take it 6-2. The third was a dogfight, and appeared to be pivotal with Agassi looking to be waning physically. It reached a tie-break, in which Rafter's serve was untouchable. Agassi was unable to break his serve, and the Australian won emphatically by 7-5. Rafter looked set to cruise through to his first Australian Open final.

But the match changed dramatically in the fourth set. Agassi broke serve in the third game, and went out to a 4-1 lead when Rafter began to suffer from cramps. From there it was all Agassi as the Australian struggled to maintain his form. Agassi won the final two sets by 6-2 and 6-3. Rafter had chosen to fight on after being struck with cramp, but his movement was severely hampered and he admitted later "I knew I was stuffed."

If indeed it is the last Australian Open for Rafter, he did go down in a blaze of glory.

Agassi meanwhile has surpassed recent superstars Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg with his 7 grand slams, and even though aged 30 doesn't look set to stop there.

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