Agassi Still Connected to Tennis

An enjoyable read about Andre Agassi's future involvement in the sport. The eight time Grand Slam champion will hit the courts this summer as part of World Team Tennis. How long until we see some exhibition matches between Agassi and Sampras I wonder?

Agassi Enjoying Retirement

Andre Agassi says he's having no trouble at all making the transition to retired tennis pro.

From Eurosport: Agassi happy in retirement

"I understand myself a little better every day," he told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. "While you're playing tennis, it's easy only to see yourself in this light. But now I have the chance to undertake a lot of new things. Starting with my family, but also with the foundation for underprivileged children and my business activities.

"I strongly believe that in 20 years' time, people will struggle to remember that I used to play tennis. I am hoping to have a positive influence on humanity in different ways in the future."

Woman Wins Tennis Lesson With Andre Agassi

I absolutely love this article.  Don't miss the last line.

From The Virginian Pilot: Norfolk woman gets tennis lesson from Agassi

"Hey, Van Burens! Wanna play some tennis?" greeted the familiar voice belonging to Andre Agassi.

At the Anthem Live! auction last December at the Constant Center, Katie's winning bid of $13,000 gave her the privilege of a one-hour tennis lesson with eight-time Grand Slam champion Agassi, with the money going for local cancer research...

Agassi, Graf Lose Money on House Sale

Luckily, I think they can afford it.

From the AP: Tennis stars Agassi, Graf lose $3 million on mansion sale

Retired tennis stars Andre Agassi and wife Steffi Graf have agreed to sell their mansion overlooking San Francisco Bay for $20 million - $3 million less than it sold for five years ago...

Agassi and Graf live most of the year in Las Vegas and had been asking $24.5 million for the property, which features 11 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a home theater, two pools, a tennis court and helicopter landing pad.

Agassi's financial advisers wanted him to get rid of the little-used compound to save on the cost of upkeep, Bullock said.

Audio: Stan Smith Talks Agassi, the US Open and More

Check out Eric's interview with former US Open champ Stan Smith  over at www.justmyshow.com (done during Agassi's match with Baghdatis).

Becker def. Andre Agassi

I can't believe it's all over. Here's to Andre the Great. Has there ever been a greater comeback and transformation in sports? What a story, what an icon, what an athlete.

Agassi def. Baghdatis!!!

I'll be honest, I didn't think Agassi had a snowball's chance in hell against Baghdatis' groundstrokes, heart and young legs. Was I ever wrong.

23, 000 rowdy fans, 3 3/4 hours, a tenacious Agassi, a resurgent Baghdatis. Agassi losing the 4th set after being up 2 breaks. Marcos cramping. John McEnroe shitting himself in the box. It was  spectacular. Bravo, Andre!

And bravo, Marcos, as well, especially for the impromptu speech about Agassi at the end. New York loves you, and so does everyone else.

Next up for Andre is the other Becker (youngster Benjamin, who took out French veteran Grosjean); and then Roddick potentially. Will Andy take out Andre in a symbolic baton pass? Or will Agassi smack an upstart bitch down? Hmmm.

*Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

US Open Day 1: Ljubicic Loses; Agassi Wins

Match of the day? Agassi, Agassi, Agassi. From what I saw of it, Andrei Pavel was playing some great tennis; and Andre Agassi did well to dig out of  0-4 in the 3rd set. "You want to to be everything you hope it is," said Agassi. "It was perfect." Indeed it was. But can he take out Baghdatis, too? Here's a match review and Agassi's press conference.

Feliciano Lopez finally got his own back against Ivan Ljubicic and logged the upset of the day 6-3 6-3 6-3. LaLo had lost to Ljubicic at the Australian Open, and then again in a brutal 5 set match at Wimbledon. This win takes Lopez to 3-2 over Ivan lifetime. Poor Ivan is still getting no love from...well, anyone. This first round loss won't help.

Interesting factoid: Lopez never faced a breakpoint all match and didn't lose a single point (!) on serve in the 2nd set. Here's a match review.

In other news, 2004 champ Svetlana Kuznetsova escaped an upset in her three set win against a German qualifier; Lindsay Davenport's shoulder is feeling ok; Elena Dementieva got through despite 30+ errors; and Andy Roddick radiated confidence all over the court in his win over Florent Serra. Serra's no pushover, but I'm very eager to see what happens when Roddick comes up against a tougher challenge.

Be sure to check out press conference video and transcripts as well as the daily highlights video at the US Open site. Shame on the US Open for not even including tWorld Number 3 Ivan Ljubicic's interview transcript.

Agassi out of Cincinnati

Poor Andre. Can he make the US Open? Here's a great video interview from last year's US Open, and footage of the "He's a punk! You're a legend!" moment v. Jimmy Connors, the Sampras-Agassi finals, and various mullets over the years.

Also, here's the Cincy draw.

Agassi out of Toronto

It's probably for the best after his pitiful showing against Stoppini (who?) and racquet carnage in DC. Here's his statement.