Andre Agassi's U.S. Open And Pro Tennis Career Ends In New York

Posted by Mark Barnes Sep 4, 2006

A tennis legend gave and received at the U.S. Open in New York on a breezy Saturday.

Andre Agassi fought a young qualifier named, Benjamin Becker, for four grueling sets, before submitting to the kid's power and Agassi's own aging back.

This day, though, was far less about this one match and much more about a legend walking off the tennis court and into the sunset.

When the match ended, the fans in a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium applauded for nearly five minutes. Agassi listened, waved and sobbed into a white towel, knowing he'd never play there again.

When he composed himself, the 8-time tennis Grand Slam winner, gave one of the most powerful farewell speeches in sports history.

While many exiting sports greats thank coaches, teammates and family, Andre Agassi thanked his fans. He thanked them profusely. He told them they inspired him and they willed him to succeed in his lowest moments. He told the fans they helped him reach his dreams.

Andre Agassi has given me endless memories of phenomenal tennis and tremendous courage. I appreciate him as he, unlike most athletes, appreciates his fans.

And this day forward, when I tune into a tennis Grand Slam, I'll think of Andre Agassi, and I'll smile.