By CNN's Candy Reid Adjust font size:
    (CNN) -- Andre Agassi won't bow out as the greatest ever tennis player -- at least not on paper -- but in terms of what he's brought to the game, in my book he is number one. I still remember exactly where I was when the American won Wimbledon in '92 -- sitting on a sofa at my tennis club, with my then coach, who was an Agassi fanatic. He had all the Agassi gear (including the denim shorts) -- and I had the black tennis boots which I realize now, must have looked awful with a white tennis skirt. When Agassi won, he fell to the floor, while I jumped up and down in delight. Another clear memory of mine was a night match Agassi played at the U.S. Open. It was against a little known Swede Andreas Vinciguerra, and I remember going to bed afterwards feeling truly inspired. I'm British and I prefer to watch attacking tennis, but even when Agassi played Tim Henman -- I was on Agassi's side (sorry Tim.) And I know I'm not the only one who feels like this, in fact I don't think I've ever met a tennis fan who didn't like Andre Agassi. Even though I'm a few years younger than him, I feel like he's grown up in front of me. A strange thing to say, but it's true. Agassi emerged with image being everything. He had the hair, the clothing, the attitude, and then the Hollywood wife -- he was truly cool. Then he fell out of the top 100 -- but made an astonishing comeback, minus the wife, the audacious clothing, and most of the hair. He'd reinvented himself -- but still was truly cool. Now though the word that comes to mind when you think of Agassi is "class." He's a family man; the model professional, gracious in both victory and defeat; and a role model for every tennis wannabe. Agassi's tennis career is almost over and he wants to savor the moment. I hope he'll go far at Flushing Meadow but worry he won't. Whatever happens, he's given us a lifetime of memories with eight Grand Slam titles, 60 titles in all, and as one of only few men to have completed the career Grand Slam -- having won all four of the majors at least once. It won't be the same without him around -- but I'm glad I was able to watch him play and interview him for "World Sport." It's a memory I'll treasure for the rest of my life. Your thoughts: After reading the comments on the page, I realized that I also was on his side on every match I saw him play. Even when he played Sampras, whom I believe to be the ultimate tennis player and was usually the favorite in their matches. There is something special about Agassi that makes you like him and watch his every movement at the court. I especially like him because of his obvious passion for the game and his positive attitude. But most of all, I will always remember him as the one person who brought more "color" to the game than anybody else; both with his clothes and with his character. It was great fun to be able to wear something other than white at our local club and be able to say "... look at Agassi, don't be so old fashioned ... " to the senior players raising their eyebrows at me. I think tennis became more attractive for the younger generation with the influence of Agassi. The time may have come for him to say goodbye which is sad although unavoidable, but the Agassi name may be with us much longer. Keeping in mind that their mom is not too bad a player herself (!), I wouldn't be surprised if, in about 10-15 years, we begin to hear about Jaden or Jaz Agassi (and why not both), the new great champion. Would you? Well done. Not since Chris Evert's good-bye in the 1989 U.S. Open have I played as much attention to a sunset tour -- Andre's legacy was a story of life and passage to adulthood with some ups and downs. He will be missed. He is a Legend. I watched every single game since he announced being competitive. He is also a legend in Vegas, a place I love dearly. I am sure we will see a lot more of him in the philanthropy. Well said, Candy! We surely must be kindred spirits because I couldn't agree with you more. I'm British too and, like you, was always on Andre's side -- regardless of whom he was playing. He's the best I've ever seen -- and I go back as far as Drobny! Thanks for the great ride, Andre -- and good luck for the future, Candy. Hi Candy, your piece on Andre Agassi was quite wonderful -- you captured a great deal of the Agassi show which has certainly thrilled all those who loved tennis and, well, entertainment. But I do not agree with your take on him as the greatest contributor to the game although it is common thing when a crowd favorite is about retire. That accolade has got be fought out between the likes of Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe and Rod Laver -- I'm only counting the men. If women are included surely Billie Jean King and Martina Navaratilova have got be the ones. Hi Candy, I am an avid fan of Andre Agassi and I am just like your former coach buying every product that Agassi is wearing during his prime. I was always happy and inspired if Andre wins and at the same time affected every time he lost a matched. I remember on one tournament (I think it was Legg Mason) when Agassi showed his emotions and destroyed his racket... That was the first time I saw him so frustrated and lost that match eventually... It would be different once he is gone... Only if they can only stay fit the rest of their lives so we can always see them watching... I just hope that he will consider playing in the senior tour so we can still watch him play... To Andre, for us (the fans) you are the greatest player of all time... Thank you. Hello Candy I'm so touched by your post about Andre. I'm also very sad to see him go. I remember when he won Wimbledon also- the exact moment. I was living in Germany at the time, glued to the TV, watching the only positive connection, albeit an indirect one, to my parents' home country of Iran, in the Western would at that time. He was my hero, and he still is. He inspires when others disillusion. He enlightens when others bring darkness and gloom. He is a man's man, but yet, vulnerable and emotional. I too feel that he grew up in front of me, or rather, that I grew up with him, even though he is 6 years older than me. I'll never forget the first time I saw this skinny kid with cut-off denim jeans shorts play tennis on TV in 1988, nor will I forget the moment he beat B. Becker in 1992 at Wimbledon, when I was so pumped and happy, and angry at all of Germany as a rebel teen, that I cried because we, Andre and I, had just defeated the country and its star. I've watched him grow, his deeps and highs, and his will has never wavered. He will go down in history as the ultimate comeback kid, and one who failed all his potentials, only to come back and become so much more than just a champion tennis player. He came back as that, and so much more. Thank you for your post- I hope he will get the attention he so deserves at FM and will go far into the field. -- Do you have a question about tennis for World Sport Anchor Candy Reid? E-mail candy@cnn.com. |
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Andre Agassi
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