A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....09-05-06....US Open 2006 ~ Andre Agassi Retires

GodBlessUSA

[GodBlessUSA]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

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The first night session gets off to a spectacular start on Arthur Ashe Court.

What did you do Labor Day Weekend? I enjoyed watching the US Open, as I always do on Labor Day Weekend. Andre Agassi play his final game in NY, US Open on Sunday against Benjamin Becker.
After 21 years of Tennis, Andre Agassi retires.

I remember the first time I saw Agassi , the new up and coming Tennis Pro with attitude, walk onto the court to play in the US Open. His wardrobe was colorful, and he wore a bandanna wrapped tightly around his long bleached spiked hair and an earing hung from his left ear. He said, image is everything.

He wouldn’t conform to the all white uniform and he boycotted Wimbledon. Agassi renounced his Wimbledon boycott in 1992 and won Wimbledon in 1992, the first of his eight Grand Slam titles.

Off the court, Agassi dated Barbra Streisand, and later married Brooke Shields. It was at the end of his tumultuous marriage to Shields when Agassi’s game suffered the most. He tumbled down the ratings.

Agassi had a turning point. He arrived for the Australian Open in 1995, he was literally a changed person. He practiced as hard as anybody on the tour, and his world ranking went from No. 141 to the sixth spot.

Andre Agassi was back and he went on a run of success as he became a truly great statesmen for the game. He blew kisses to fans, acknowledged their support, and served as an inspiration to younger players.

In 2001 Agassi marries, Grand Slam Winner, Steffi Graff.

Agassi announces he will retire at the US Open in August/September aged 36. Agassi has been struggling with a serious back injury for some time. He gets through two rounds against Andrei Pavel and Marcos Baghdatis but bows out in the next round after losing to Benjamin Becker. The crowd was pulling for him through the entire match. In the end the crowd gives a long standing ovation for him.

Agassi’s words after his final game on Sunday,
"The scoreboard said I lost today, but what the scoreboard doesn't say is what it is I've found," Agassi told the crowd, tears streaming down his cheeks, his voice cracking with emotion. "Over the last 21 years, I've found loyalty. You have pulled for me on the court and also in life. I have found inspiration. You have willed me to succeed sometimes even in my lowest moments. And I've found generosity. You have given me your shoulders to stand on to reach for my dreams, dreams I could have never reached without you. Over the last 21 years, I have found you. And I will take you and the memory of you with me for the rest of my life." "Thank you."

Agassi has given us so many memorable moments on the court over the course of his career. He will certainly be missed.

07-01,02-06 ~ Hall of Fame #16

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 09-04-06 Military Monday Labor Day!

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[GodBlessUSA]

[GodBlessUSA]

[Issaquahking]

How a real professional retires!

Thank you Andre Agassi .

[Mama_Bear]

I haven't followed professional tennis and didn't know much about Agassi beyond recognizing his name, but after reading your post about him, he seems to be a class act and a good role model for young aspiring tennis players. This is a good thing. We need as many good role models in professional sports as we can get.

I enjoyed your interesting post. Thank you, GeeBee. I learned something about someone that I didn't know much about. :-)

Best wishes to Andre Agassi in his "retirement".

BTW, love your tennis ping graphic. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Good evening, Issaquahking. Long time no see! Always nice to have you stop by the Finest.

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Evening Issaquahking
Absolutely. I sure will miss him.

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Evening Mama Bear
Thanks so much! I hope you had an enjoyable weekend :)

I feel a bit older. ;) It doesn't seem like 21 years that I've enjoyed watching him play tennis. LOL I wish the best for him and his family.

[luvie]

Good evening! Didn't know you were a tennis fan! LOL!

(((hugs))) Did ya have a good weekend? Is Booboo ready for school?

[Dov in Houston]

Andre, I watched very little tennis however when I watched your last games I saw class, even though you didn't win that last tournament, you walked away a winner. A true champion.

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Evening Luv
How are you? I use to play tennis. I wasn't so bad either. LOL. Hubby and I had a few of our dates at the US Open. :) Great memories.

Booboo has one more day to go and back to school. I will be a little sad.

[luvie]

Always something new to learn about my friends. I would love to see the US Open myself. That would make a great date!

Hope she has a good year and gets a sweet teacher. (((hugs)))

[NormsRevenge]

The hair! The hair! What happened to the Hair? :-)

Agassi keyword
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=agassi
BumP

[barker]

Agassi is a class act. He was the only reason I watched tennis. If he wasn't playing I didn't watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewtTEpVRcdk

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Evening NormsRevenge
LOL! From one extreme to the other. ;)

[GodBlessUSA]

Thanks for the link. :) I just read through the thread you had posted. Great photos and comments!

[NormsRevenge]

If Pete Sampras hadn't had such a wicked serve, Andre would likely have a few more tournament trophies.

I wish him and Steffi and family well.

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Evening Dov in Houston
He made a winning speech. Tennis won't be the same to me without him.

[GodBlessUSA]

I agree, he would have. We've watched him have ups and downs on and off the court. It's great to see him retire on such a high note-- happily married to Steffi with children. I wish them the best too.

[GodBlessUSA]

It was such fun going to the US Open.

Thanks. Booboo's teacher is said to be very nice. So that is good. See you in the morning. :)

[luvie]

Yay..she has a good teacher. That makes all the difference.

(((hugs))) Nighty-night, GB. Sweet dreams...I'll be here when I wake up! :D