Agassi bows out for last time
Agassi bows out for last time
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Saturday, 01, Jul 2006 11:40
An emotional Andre Agassi waved goodbye to Wimbledon for the final time after losing to Rafael Nadal in straight sets.
The American thanked fans for their support over the years as he is set to retire from professional tennis after the US Open later this year.
Nadal took a close first set on the tie-break but was then able to pull away from the veteran baseliner with some powerful play in the second set which he took 6-2.
He wrapped up the game with a comfortable 6-4 win in the third set after two hours and 15 minutes.
Nadal, the second seed, won the French Open last month and is on course for another meeting with Roger Federer in this year’s final.
Agassi said: "If you dream of becoming a professional tennis player, you dream of playing at Wimbledon and I've had the privilege of being here many times and I certainly won't forget this one.
"The guys here are awesome tennis fans and have shown me so much love. Coming back this year, I didn't know what to expect from myself, but one thing I felt I could count on was the fans here."
Nadal was delighted to beat the former champion describing the win as his best ever on grass and hailing Centre Court as a fantastic arena.