Monday, September 04, 2006

Goodbye, Andre

So Andre Agassi's farewell at the US Open came to end today against a Benjamin Becker (no relation). He's certainly not been my favourite player over the years (though I confess to starting to root for him after his association with Steffi Graf), but I found myself wishing (hoping, praying) that somehow this would be a fairytale and he'd go out having won this thing. It would have been a fitting goodbye to a 20 year career.

Ofcourse, things are never that wonderful. Its sad to see someone who has given as much to tennis as Agassi go out lumbering, in pain, in the 3rd round of the US Open, if front of thousands of adoring fans. But it also highlights his impact, and his greatness. That he peservered, despite his age, his physical condition and his obvious pain is a testament to what separates the good players from the greats. He tried, and did his best, and it was apparent to anyone who bothered to watch. And then, when it was all over, he bid the world of tennis adieu. There was nary a dry eye in the Arthur Ashe stadium. Including mine. (Though I wasn't lucky enough to be at the Stadium)

So Goodbye, Andre. Wish you all the best in the future. And Thank You very much.
Like someone's banner said,

Legends Never Die

P.S. If, in a week, the other retirement is announced, I cannot imagine what I will feel. If this has moved me to this degree... what will it be like when he calls it a day?

2 comments:

Kau said...

Here is Agassi's farewell speech :

The scoreboard said I lost today, but what the scoreboard doesn't say is what it is I have found

"And over the last 21 years, I have found loyalty. You have pulled for me on the court and also in life. I've 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."


I guess - there isnt a dry eye in the world .
If you havent already - check out his and steffi's love story ..its utterly cute and spans so many years .

Kau

Ridhima said...

Yami,

I was in tears when I heard his speech.. I think his words are etched in my memory forever.. especially when he said that "you have given me your shoulders.. so I could reach for my dreams"

Its true.. Legends never die..