April 29 marks the 45th anniversary of tennis legend Andre Agassi. "SE" recalls the best of the American's biography.

BEST ACHIEVEMENTS

Andre Agassi got acquainted with the tennis ball in the cradle, took the racket with his hands, barely learning how to walk, and by the age of four he mastered all the main strokes. At the age of 14, he won the US national 16-year-old championship, and at the age of 16, he embarked on a professional career that spanned two decades.

Agassi is the holder of 60 singles titles. He won gold at the 1996 home Olympics in Atlanta, achieved four success in Australian Open (1995, 2000, 2001, 2003), won twice US Open (1994, 1999), celebrated victory at Wimbledon 1992 and Roland Garros -1999. Having conquered the French Open, Agassi became the first ever holder of the career Golden Slam. He won the Davis Cup three times with the USA national team and spent a total of 101 weeks in the rank of number one in the world. Returning to the top of the world rankings in 2003, he became the oldest tennis player ever to rank first in the world ranking.

BEST MATCH

Pete Sampras, compatriot and peer of Agassi, was for him the most principled rival throughout his career. The two played among themselves more than one spectacular finals, many of their fights are inscribed in the golden fund of world tennis.

However, the super battles Agassi and Sampras gave out not only in the finals. Their meeting in the quarterfinals of the US Open-2001, although it ended in the defeat of our today's hero, is rightfully considered one of the best in the history of tennis. For four sets, none of the opponents gave up their serve. Before the fourth tie-break, spectators in the crowded stands of Arthur Ash's arena got to their feet and gave the two American superstars a standing ovation. Sampras eventually celebrated the victory - 6: 7, 7: 6, 7: 6, 7: 6.

BEST WIFE

Having twisted in his youth an affair with the famous actress and singer Barbra Streisand, who is 28 years older than him, and having lived for two years in marriage with another representative of Hollywood, Brooke Shields, Andre Agassi met his love, faithful companion of life and the mother of his children, where he spent a great part of life is at the tennis stadium. The relationship of the American with the most titled tennis player in history, 22-time tournament winner " Grand Slam", the first and only owner of the classic" Golden Slam "German Steffi Graf began to take shape on a victorious for both Roland Garros -99, and their wedding ceremony took place in October 2001, just five days before the birth of their first child, Jaden Gil. The star couple also has a daughter, Jazz Ellie.

BEST RECOGNITION

In his frank 2009 autobiography Open: An Autobiography, which made a lot of noise, Agassi made a sensational admission that in the late 90s he took the drug methamphetamine, and after its traces were found in his doping trial, tricked the ATP into claiming that he accidentally drank water from a bottle of one of his assistants. At the same time, the American claims that he dabbled in drugs solely because of problems in his personal life and did not at all pursue the goal of improving athletic performance... Needless to say, this recognition caused a huge resonance?

In the same book, Agassi claims that when he was a professional player he hated tennis, because of the constant pressure that was then put on him.

BEST ACTIONS

In his youth, Agassi was distinguished by defiant behavior. He chose non-standard hairstyles and clothes, neglected the dress code at the prim "All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club", refused to go to Wimbledon, ate hamburgers, bought airplanes, spent time with friends and spat on the sports regime in every possible way, which aroused the indignation of his then mentor Nick Bollettieri, which ultimately led to their separation.

But he has changed a lot with age and is now one of the most famous philanthropists in the world of sports. For his numerous charitable projects, he twice received the ATP prize "For Humanity and Charity" named after Arthur Ashe, as well as other humanistic awards.

The André Agassi Education Foundation is building charter schools, supporting other educational projects and helping to educate children, including those from socially disadvantaged groups. Agassi also supports medical projects aimed at combating AIDS and the study of cancer.

Even someone who is far from tennis most likely knows Andre Agassi. He has always been known for his aggressive playing style with brilliant coordination. And the girls went crazy with his incredibly beautiful eyes and long dyed hair. However, even with a shaved head, Andre did not cease to attract glances. On the court he was nicknamed "The Punisher", and in real life a playboy. He was never afraid to resist the rules, refused to play because of the dress code of Wimbledon and advertised McDonald's that did not fit at all with sports style. In his autobiographical book, the champion spoke about his addiction to drugs. Despite this, Andre Agassi remains one of the greatest tennis players of all time with 8 Grand Slam titles.

Career from 2 years

Andre Agassi was born on April 29, 1970 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. His father Emmanuel "Mike", a former Olympic boxer, immigrated from Iran and married Elizabeth Dudley. Mike claimed to have Armenian roots, and initially their surname sounded like Agasyan.

At the age of two, Andre could quite accurately serve tennis ball... All thanks to the father, who built a court near the house and became the first coach for the youngest son. At the age of thirteen, Andre was sent to a tennis camp in Florida. In ninth grade, he rebelled like a teenager should. The athlete dyed his hair, pierced his ears and dressed like a punk rocker. By the time he turned pro at sixteen, his new outlook on the game promised to change tennis forever.

Professional and brawler Andre Agassi

The tennis player has been a professional for 30 years. The start of his incredible career was marked by a victory over John Austin, but then Andre lost. However, having started in 1986 with 310th place in the rankings, he finished the year, being already in the first hundred.

The next 7 victories stretched until 2003. Andre beat Andrei Medvedev, Evgeny Kafelnikov and three other famous athletes. However, this period was not smooth. Agassi plunged headlong into advertising contracts with the already mentioned chain of fast food restaurants, Canon, Dupont, and many others. He even took a vacation in 1993 by buying a private jet. Because of this cheeky behavior, his first coach Nick Bollettieri left.

Nike Andre Agassi

Nike proudly supported Agassi early in his career in 1988. They saw the potential of one of the greatest players in tennis history. A winner of no less than 60 different tournaments, Agassi was and remains an incredibly charismatic personality. Therefore, Nike was overjoyed when the athlete returned to cooperate with them in 2013 after a deal with. The Nike co-founder spoke very warmly about the tennis player:

“As one of the world's greatest tennis players, Agassi embodied the passion, dedication and determination of the Nike brand. As a philanthropist and advocate, he continues to inspire the younger generation with his Just Do It spirit. We are honored to welcome him. "

Many signature Nike Andre Agassi sneakers have been introduced over the years. Among them are Air Trainer 1, black and white Nike Air Flair, Nike Zoom Challenge, Nike Air Challenge Huarache and perhaps the most famous Nike Air Tech Challenge 2.

Back in 1990, Nike was put on the Air Tech Challenge II athlete. They tied several styles together, including from the Air Jordan 4 silhouette that was at the top of basketball around the same time. ATC2 were successfully reprinted in last years, also in a white and green Liquid Lime color scheme.

Sneakers for Andre Agassi

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Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf

In the 90s, Andre distinguished himself not only on the court. He dated actress and singer Barbra Streisand. In his biography, the tennis player writes that “We are good for each other, and what if she is twenty-eight years older? We are likable and the publicity adds a spice to our connection. It makes our friendship feel forbidden, taboo is another piece of my common rebellion. "

Agassi is credited with many novels with stars, but the playboy himself does not confirm them. In the late 90s he was married to Brooke Shields, but their marriage only lasted two years. After which the champion began to meet with German tennis player Steffi Graf.

They were the favorites of Center Court at Wimbledon in 1992, where both won. And they came together 7 years later at the French Open, where, by the way, they also won the title. Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf were married in 2001 at their home in Las Vegas. For the bride, the athlete bought a villa in San Francisco, because his fortune at that time was already estimated at $ 200 million. The couple are still happy together and are raising two children, Jaden Gil and Jazz Eli Agassi.

Children of Andre Agassi

Andre and Steffi - couple incredible strength for world sports, and undoubtedly the greatest association of gene. Their children could be the new tennis stars. But Agassi states that they will never play.

“Jaden and Jazz have zero interest in the game. Tennis? I just think we've had enough to be honest, ”says Agassi.

Jaden has shown a passion for baseball and uses his father's coordination to hit opponents on the pitch. Daughter Jazz is engaged in horse riding and hip-hop dancing.

Today the Agassi family runs a serious business, they have a whole empire that includes restaurants, nightlife and sports clubs as well as real estate and construction. Together, the couple were the face of Swiss watches Longines, and Andre himself is considered one of the highest paid athletes in the world.

Andre Agassi was born on April 29, 1970 in Las Vegas, USA. His mother was American, and his father, Emmanuel Agassi, was Iranian of Armenian descent. After moving to the United States, his father made a successful career as a boxer, however, despite this, he always cherished in his soul a special love for tennis. The thing is that even as a child, Emmanuel often watched American and British soldiers play tennis in the courtyard of the Christian mission. Subsequently, noticing a local boy at the fence, one of the military gave the boy his first tennis racket... Many years have passed since then.

Emmanuel moved from Iran to the United States, where he started a family, and also built a small clay tennis court near his home. Despite the fact that Emmanuel made a successful career in the field of boxing, he always taught his four children only to play tennis. Playing with the guys, the famous Iranian-American athlete hoped that each of them would make a successful career on tennis courts in the future. However, only one of Emmanuel's children, the youngest son Andre, had a chance to become famous in the world of tennis.

V early childhood the future tennis player spent a huge amount of time on the court. Together with his father, he often went to various junior tournaments, where already at the age of ten he achieved quite significant results. In particular, in 1980, Andre Agassi became a finalist in the US Championship in his age group... A year later, he reached the semi-final stage. To help him make a successful career in the world of sports, Emmanuel sent his son to the tennis academy, Nick Bollettieri, who was a longtime friend of the boxer. To continue his career, Andre had to move to Florida, however, as it turned out, it was worth it. For several years of study at a prestigious tennis academy, he greatly improved his professional skills, and therefore at the age of fourteen he managed to win his first US title in his age group.

As a professional, Andre Agassi began performing at the age of sixteen. In February 1986, he appeared at a tournament in the Californian city of La Quinta, where he safely passed the first stage, but lost in the second then third racket of the world to Mats Wilander. Subsequently, he managed to repeatedly take revenge from the eminent Swede. Led by his coach Nick Bollettieri, Agassi grew and progressed rapidly. Therefore, at one point he became a real star on tennis courts.

Throughout his career, the talented American tennis player has remained one of the best representatives in his sport. For many years of performances, he managed to win more than sixty different tournaments, reaching the highest results in both singles and doubles.

There have been eight Grand Slam tournaments in his career, as well as a myriad of other trophies. In addition, Andre Agassi became the first of two tennis players who managed to win not only all four leading tennis trophies, but also gold medal Olympic Games... In the nineties and early 2000s, he was a real legend in the world of tennis.

Andre Agassi won the Davis Cup twice with the USA national team. For his outstanding achievements in 2011, the athlete was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Thus, the son of an expatriate from Iran became a national hero of the United States, as well as a role model for many tennis fans.

In 2003, Andre Agassi became the oldest tennis player to top the WTA rankings. In total, the talented athlete spent 101 weeks as the first racket of the world during his career. In addition, for 16 seasons he was among the ten strongest players on the planet. This indicator became the basis for Andre's inclusion in the Guinness Book of Records.

Outside the tennis court, Andre Agassi has always been known as a rebel and playboy. Over the years, he was the face of the new Canon 1000D Rebel camera, as well as the McDonald's restaurant chain. In one of the commercials, Andre was devouring hamburgers with such enthusiasm, which caused a flurry of discontent from people who advocate the principles of healthy eating.

At the end of 2000, the name Andre Agassi appeared in seventh place in the ranking of the most financially successful athletes of our time. During his career, he earned, according to various estimates, from $ 200 to $ 500 million. A significant part of these funds brought the tennis player advertising contracts with brands such as American Express, Adidas, Nike and some others. In addition, Andre helped out a substantial amount of funds for the rights to publish his own biography. Currently, Andre Agassi is a co-owner of a commercial empire that includes a network of sports and nightclubs, as well as companies engaged in restaurant, construction, real estate and restaurant business. Apart from everything else, Andre Agassi is known as a philanthropist.

Celebrates 45 years on Wednesday Andre Agassi... In his 20-year career, he has experienced many ups and downs. However, Andre's biography cannot be erased from taking methamphetamine, a vivid image of a rebel, eating hamburgers, countless love stories and much more. All this, however, was quite a long time ago - back in the days when Andre wore long hair. And tennis fans know Agassi first of all as the owner of the "Career helmet" and the Olympic champion. We recall these and other milestones in the career and life of the great athlete.

Brooke Shields and Barbra Streisand

1992 marked Andre's first big victory. It is curious that the American began collecting the "Career helmet" from Wimbledon, a tournament to which he was cool and to which he did not come for three years in a row. Andre by that time was 22 years old - quite a conscious age, but soon after this victory he behaved like a child. Agassi almost gave up tennis, met regularly with friends, bought a plane and had fun. Yes, he periodically came to tournaments and even achieved victories, but he did it irregularly and dropped into the fourth dozen.

It was at the end of 1992 and the beginning of 1993 that Agassi's romance with the famous actress began Brooke Shields... She is seven years older than him, but the age difference never bothered Andre. For example, he had an affair with Barbra Streisand who was born 28 years earlier. “We realized that we were good together, so who cares about the 28-year age difference? The main thing is that we liked each other, and the public outcry only added piquancy to our relations. Our friendship was forbidden, and I have always loved to challenge society. A relationship with Barbra is like walking on lava, ”André recalls.

Help "Championship"

Andre Agassi

Was born April 29, 1970 in Las Vegas, USA.
Height: 180 cm. Right-handed. Two-handed backhand.
Start professional career: 1986. Completion: 2006.
Career Prizes: $ 31 152 975.
Singles: 870 wins and 274 losses.
1 (April 10, 1995).
Number of titles: 60.
Grand Slam tournaments:
Australian Open- victory (1995, 2000, 2001, 2003).
Roland Garros - victory (1999).
Wimbledon - victory (1992).
US Open - victory (1994, 1999).
Final tournament - victory (1990).
Gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

In doubles 40 wins and 42 losses.
Highest place in the rating list: 123 (17 Aug 1992).
Number of titles: 1.

Davis Cup - victory (1990, 1992, 1995).

The press credits him with romances with other Hollywood actresses, as well as with Gabriela Sabatini but we'll get back to Shields. At first, their relationship did not go to the benefit of his tennis career, but soon Andre lost weight and returned to full training... It is believed that it was Brooke, who often attended his matches, insisted that Agassi give himself more to the sport. They got married in April 1997, during a severe recession in their careers. The American dropped to the middle of the second hundred - he has not fallen so low since he was 16. Journalists were sure that the failure was related to marriage, but Andre believed otherwise. In any case, after two years, the lovers parted. Agassi was too jealous of his wife for her partners in TV shows and films, this was the reason for the breakup.

Steffi Graf

Within a few weeks after breaking up, he began dating Steffi Graf... Andre had plans for a German woman back in 1992 when he tried to ask her out on a date through an agent. Then it did not work out, because the Graf met with the racer Michael Bartels... Seven years later, she broke up with him to start a family with Andre. In 2001, they got married, and five days after the wedding, Steffi had a girl. Two years later, the second child of a tennis family was born - this time a boy. Agassi and Graf have been living for over 13 years happy life and sometimes take part in exhibition matches.

"Career helmet"

André is just the fifth player to win the Career Helmet in the men's singles category. Now there are seven of these people - in the new century, all tournaments have been won Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer... In the mid-90s, Andre's prospects did not look very bright. By 1995, he had won in Australia, England and the United States, while in Melbourne he distinguished himself on the first try. He never played on the Green Continent, but in 95 he immediately won seven matches in a row. In Paris, he did everything at the beginning of his career - in five years, two semifinals and two finals, but then the results only worsened. Throughout three years he could not even reach the third round, and then it seemed that the dream of the "Career Helmet" would remain unrealizable.

However, in 1999, Andre shone again. It sparkled unexpectedly. The first half of the season turned out to be disappointing: an early defeat in Melbourne, setbacks in other tournaments and poor preparation for Roland Garros. Agassi played only in Rome and lost in the third match. It is logical that in Paris he faced certain difficulties. He not without difficulty went through two circles, having played nine sets. Then Agassi played out and reached the final, where he was considered the favorite, because his opponents were the 100th racket of the world. Andrey Medvedev... But "Career Helmet" is not so easy. Medvedev had a great start to the final and gave the eminent opponent only three games in the first two sets. Agassi managed to pull himself together and took the next three games in the fight, which brought him the much-desired victory.

Second wind

Andre was already 29 years old, and many believed that his career was coming to an end, especially since the results in general were deteriorating. However, the success at Roland Garros inspired the American to new achievements. Before one of the seasons, he even stated that he was aiming at the "Grand Slam", that is, to win all tournaments during the season. He did not cope with this task, although he was in four finals in a row and won three titles. In the same 99 season, he won in the United States, then won three times in four years in Australia. At 35, he came to decisive match in New York, but they failed to win the ninth "Helmet". Nevertheless, Andre showed that after 30 years you can play on high level and make great strides.

"I used methamphetamine and cheated on the ATP"

Agassi had a reputation as a rebel in the late 80s and early 90s, but in the new century he managed to greatly change his attitude towards himself. All the more surprising was the recognition in 2009 that he. The autobiography of the American was called "Open", which is most logical to translate as "Revelations" or "Be honest." The book lived up to its name and became a bestseller in sports literature. The chapter that caused the greatest resonance is devoted to drugs. Agassi was caught doping, but, oddly enough, the hastily invented excuse worked - Andre said that he accidentally drank water from a bottle of a member of his team, and it contained a prohibited drug. After 12 years, he found the strength to admit that he deliberately took methamphetamine. The American did not try to improve athletic performance, but hoped to use drugs to solve his family problems. Some experts confirm this version: methamphetamine, if it somehow affects sports performance, it is only in the opposite direction.

Nevertheless sports world the news rocked, and many players lashed out at Agassi. Perhaps he spoke out the hardest of all Marat Safin, who said that Andre "as an honest man" must give up all titles himself. The ATP's response was succinct: Agassi is not an active athlete, so there will be no additional due diligence in the 12-year-old case. However, this story cast a shadow on the organization and its anti-doping service: if Agassi managed to cheat the system, then maybe someone else did it too? However, not everyone turned their backs on the American. Some noted his courage, because no one forced him to admit it.

Burgers and crazy life

At the beginning of his career, Andre wore lush hair, was the idol of young people and had a reputation as a rebel. He signed a contract with the most popular fast food chain and regularly ate hamburgers and other unhealthy foods, while achieving certain results and showing that even without strict diet and everyday training you can win titles. The image of Agassi was very beneficial to advertisers, and Andre constantly entered into large contracts, earning more off court than on it. But this image did not allow playing at Wimbledon. How can a rebel and a person for whom there are no rules and prohibitions, diligently put on all white and become like everyone else? For this reason, Agassi did not come to England for three years in a row, but, fortunately, he came to his senses in time.

Personal meetings with the strongest players:

Pete Sampras - 14-20.
Boris Becker - 10-4.
Evgeny Kafelnikov - 8-4.
Michael Chang - 15-7.
Todd Martin - 13-5.
Patrick Rafter - 10-5.
Greg Rusedski - 9-2.
Gustavo Kuerten - 7-4.
Marat Safin - 3-3.
Roger Federer - 3-8.
Rafael Nadal - 0-2.
Mikhail Youzhny - 2-0.

Armenian and Ukrainian roots

Granddad Andre David Agasyan was born in Kiev. During the civil war, he emigrated to Iran and changed his last name for security reasons. David married a Turkish Armenian woman Nunia, and soon they had a son, Emmanuel. He became a professional boxer and even competed in the Olympics, representing Iran. Emmanuel, or Mike, Agassi was very fond of tennis and instilled this love in all four children. As you know, only one really lived up to his father's hopes.

Farewell match

The final match of any player's career is bright event but the end of Agassi's sporting path was particularly dramatic. He announced that the 2006 US Open would be his last tournament. In that season, he was still quite combat-ready and entered the top ten, but by the US Open he dropped into the fourth ten and did not get into the seed. Andre barely won Andrey Pavel, then in five sets defeated the seeded Marcos Baghdatis... It is noteworthy that at the end of the grueling match, the younger Cypriot had cramps and barely moved his legs, and Agassi, at 36, withstood the marathon. However, it was not possible to win a third tough victory in a row. Andre played injections and lost Benjamin Becker in four parties. The American could not hold back his tears, and the overcrowded 22,000-seat Arthur Ash arena gave him a five-minute standing ovation. "Thank you. The scoreboard says that I have lost, but it does not show what I have gained over these 20 plus years. I found inspiration, I was surrounded by devoted people ... Even in the most difficult moments I managed to get up and move on. You helped me make my dreams come true. Without you, I wouldn't have succeeded. Over the years, I found you, I say thank you to all of you, and the memories will be with me until the end of my life. Thank you, ”Andre said in a trembling voice.

Now Andre is a happy husband and father, and is also involved in charity work in a variety of industries. So, at the beginning of the century, he opened a free public school in the most disadvantaged area of ​​Las Vegas. Problem children were able to get a quality education, and from 2009 to 2011, 100% of students entered higher education institutions. In addition, Agassi invests in various medical projects, including the fight against AIDS. For his active work, Andre has repeatedly received various awards, and in 2011 his name was included in the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

April 29 marks the 44th anniversary of the great American tennis player, ex-first racket of the world, eight-time winner of the Grand Slam tournaments, Olympic champion Andre Agassi.

In his career, Agassi played over 1000 matches and in most of them he looked great. It was not easy to choose the top ten, but we did our best and put them in chronological order.

WIMBLEDON 1992. SEMIFINAL. AGASSI - John MCINROY (USA) - 6: 4, 6: 2, 6: 3

Agassi did not immediately fall in love with Wimbledon. After swiftly losing to Henri Leconte in the first match in 1987, he declared that he would never return, and indeed did not return to the All England Lawn Tennis Club until 1991. But one day, having reached the quarterfinals there, he realized that the turf was not so terrible, and began to prepare seriously. In 1992, he arrived at the most prestigious tennis tournament in a world with the intent to win.

In the semifinals, his rival was the great compatriot John McEnroe, who was approaching the end of his career. It was with him that Agassi had paired up at Roland Garros a few weeks earlier and trained with him for two weeks and personally gave advice on how to neutralize him.

André had a very clean semi-final. His backline shots, especially the forehand, and his signature serve were great. He celebrated the victory with a score of 6: 4, 6: 2, 6: 3 in 1 hour 51 minutes.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN-1995. THE FINAL. AGASSI - SAMPRAS (USA) - 4: 6, 6: 1, 7: 6 (8: 6), 6: 4

If you ask experienced tennis fans for advice on which matches of Agassi should be reviewed first, they will answer you: the finals against Sampras. And they will be right. The rivalry between two compatriot peers was special and truly adorned the tennis of that era.

This match stands apart in the list of fights between Agassi and Sampras. Andre took care of himself and for a long time did not go to Australia, and as soon as he went to conquer the Green Continent, he immediately reached the final, where he met ... Of course, with Sampras, who defended the champion title. As always, the tennis players played a super match. And Agassi, having given the first set, fought back and celebrated the victory - 4: 6, 6: 1, 7: 6 (8: 6), 6: 4.

US OPEN-1995. THE FINAL. AGASSI - SAMPRAS - 4: 6, 3: 6, 6: 4, 5: 7

After defeating Sapras in Australia, Agassi took the lead in the world rankings from his rival compatriot, and throughout the season they fought with each other for the title of the first racket of the world. But in the final of the US Open, Pete interrupted Andre's summer super series, which totaled 26 victories in a row and four won tournaments - 6: 4, 6: 3, 4: 6, 7: 5.

ROLAND GARROS-1999. AGASSI - MEDVEDEV (UKRAINE) - 1: 6, 2: 6, 6: 4, 6: 3, 6: 4

In 1997, due to injuries and personal problems, Agassi dropped out of the Top 100. It seemed that his best years already behind. But he put the skeptics to shame, not just returning to their previous positions, but showing top scores in his career. From 1999 to 2003, Andre won five of his eight Grand Slam tournaments, the first of which was at the Roland Garros courts in the summer of 1999.

In the first two sets of the fight with Ukrainian Andrei Medvedev, the American took only three games, and it was hard to believe that this match would be able to return, but Agassi succeeded in an amazing comeback - 1: 6, 2: 6, 6: 4, 6: 3, 6: 4.

This victory was special for the tennis player from Nevada: having won the French Open, he became the fifth tennis player in history and the first in Open era who got the career Grand Slam.

US Open-99. THE FINAL. AGASSI - Todd MARTIN (USA) - 6: 4, 6: 7 (5: 7), 6: 7 (2: 7), 6: 3, 6: 2

In the same season, Agassi played twice in the Grand Slam finals. At Wimbledon, he lost to Sampras, and at the US Open he met with another compatriot - Todd Martin. Two Americans delighted their native audience with an amazing game. Agassi did not give up a single game on his serve, but, nevertheless, he lost two games in tie-breaks and it took all five sets to determine the winner. What happened in the US Open men's final for the first time in 11 years.

US OPEN-2001. QUARTER FINAL. SAMPRAS - AGASSI - 6: 7 (7: 9), 7: 6 (7: 2), 7: 6 (7: 2), 7: 6 (7: 5)

Agassi and Sampras gave out superfights not only in the finals. Yes, until the title was not a step or two, but this match is rightfully called one of the best in the history of tennis. For four sets, none of the opponents gave up their serve. Before the fourth tie-break, spectators in the crowded stands of Arthur Ash's arena got to their feet and gave the two American superstars a standing ovation. Sampras eventually celebrated the victory - 6: 7, 7: 6, 7: 6, 7: 6.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN-2003. THE FINAL. AGASSI - Rainer SCHUTTLER (GERMANY) - 6: 2, 6: 2, 6: 1

Even at 33, Agassi looked brilliant on the court. Yes, the fight in that final did not work out at all, but only because Andre looked brilliant. He literally strangled, destroyed his rival. 67 minutes and only 23 games!

“Taking his opponent by the throat, Agassi did not let go of his iron grip until the last point, leaving the poor German with no chance,” wrote “SE” in January 2003.

TENNIS MASTERS CUP-2003. GROUP TOURNAMENT... AGASSI - Roger FEDERER (SWITZERLAND) - 7: 6 (7: 3), 3: 6, 6: 7 (7: 9)

It was an outstanding game played by both masters - the mature Agassi and the rising star Federer, tennis of an outstanding level. Andre's match balls went unfulfilled, and he allowed Federer to win the first victory in their confrontation. After that Swiss he never won again.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN-2004. SEMIFINAL. Marat SAFIN (RUSSIA) - AGASSI

- 7:6 (8:6), 7:6 (8:6), 5:7, 1:6, 6:3

It was an amazing match - tense, full of beautiful struggle and drama. Combination of power and matching game. Agassi almost broke the resistance of his opponent, but the Russian who served well did not give up. The American lost, but his fans are unlikely to turn their tongues to accuse him of this.

US Open-2005. QUARTER FINAL. AGASSI - James BLAKE (USA) - 3: 6, 3: 6, 6: 3, 6: 3, 7: 6 (8: 6)

And again, two Americans at the US Open, to the delight of the numerous spectators who created an amazing atmosphere at the stadium, organized a super game. Exchange powerful blows from the back row stretched out for five sets, and Agassi managed a phenomenal comeback from a 0-2 score in sets. The American was two points away from defeat, but managed to get out - 3: 6, 3: 6, 6: 3, 6: 3, 7: 6 (8: 6).