1998 has been an up-and-down year for Agassi, but has certainly represented his most successful comeback after a form slump dating all the way back to the end of 1995. His winning streak includes 11 straight match victories up to the end of Los Angeles. On the ATP Tour this year he has collected four titles. As well as Los Angeles and Washington, he'd won San Jose and Scottsdale. His win in San Jose was back in February, where he defeated Sampras in the final in a straight set decision. He has also made the final of the prestigious Lipton tournament, where he lost to Marcelo Rios. The only thing missing for Agassi this year is a good performance at a Grand Slam. He looked to be going well in the Australian Open, where he made the 4th round before being shocked by Alberto Berisategui in a five-set loss. In the French Open he was upset in the 1st round by Marit Safin, while at Wimbledon he fell 2nd round to Tommy Haas. The hard courts at Flushing Meadows present an excellent chance for Agassi to reassert himself as a Grand Slam champion. Although he is no longer a contender on grass or clay courts, Agassi is still one of the world's best on hard courts. It remains to be seen whether he can translate his good form in small ATP tournaments this year to an event that really matters - a Grand Slam.
Other News
In other tournament news, Albert Costa defeated Andrea Gaudenzi to win the Kitzbuehel tournament. Costa had to fight all the way to beat the Italian, who took him to five sets. Gaudenzi had won his first title in Casablanca earlier in the year, and has shown by this performance that he is still improving. Also, Bohdan Ulihrach beat Magnus Norman to win the Croatia Open. Finally, former French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten rallied to defeat Karol Kucera to win in Stuttgart. This was Kuerten's second career title - his first came at the 1997 French Open! Much like winning a marathon, and then learning to walk!
Go To Page: 1 2
