Andre Agassi (My Tennis Hero)

As has been anticipated by many (including me), Andre Agassi will be retiring from tennis this year after a very successful career that has spanned over two decades or so. I remember when I first saw him walk out onto the court as a long haired, flamboyant "rebel" who most doubted would ever make any kind of showing. Boy, did he ever prove them wrong. I was never one of the "doubters" (nor was my mother)...we always had a feeling he'd be great and were his number one fans, right from the start. Something about his work ethic, attitude and determination - it showed, right from the start.

At first it appeared that Andre was all about image, but he also had one hell of a lot of (tennis) talent and heart. It seemed sometimes people tended to focus more on his "flash" than his tennis. So it took awhile for people to "catch on" that this guy was gonna' be great! Initially I was drawn to a cocky young kid who did things his way, wouldn't conform and didn't see why his fluorescent pink tights and long, bleached out hair were a problem. The Wimbledon white just wasn't his bag. I tend to admire people like Andre - with the courage to do what they want, not what they should. Some view it as "attitude", I tend to see it as "confidence" and originality. That's what makes great people "great" - they stand out and alone.

Throughout his career, he had several ups and downs - many times being considered a 'wash out'. But, each time, he'd get fitter and faster and always seemed to make those who doubted him eat their words. The bandwagoners never do stay loyal for long and we were never part of that group. Somehow we were always convinced that Andre had what it took to battle back from anything (and he always did).

So, fast forward a few decades and Andre's ready to settle down with his family and step out of tennis. I will truly miss the great matches between he and Pete; his humble sincerity as he'd kneel down to kiss the ground in amazement of his accomplishment and blow kisses to all in the crowd (which I'm quite sure were directed exclusively to me). His teary acceptance of, yet another, cup or plate - it never appeared to get "old" or stale to him. And he never seemed to "expect" it...he always reacted like it was the first match he'd ever won. I really liked that in him - he was down to earth and just like the rest of us, never behaving like an untouchable "superstar". He wasn't "full of himself" - he seemed completely caught off guard and surprised when he'd win and always showed nothing but respect to his opponents, making them feel like they shared in it with him. Even as he became "the best", he never acted like he was. He was genuine, humble and modest - even when he'd earned the right to be showy, boisterous and boastful.


His foundation for children is not just something he throws cash at, he's hands-on involved. He puts in his time, as well as his money...that's an attribute that's to be admired and speaks volumes about his character. He doesn't do things for show, he does them because he loves them. Which is probably one reason he's one of the greatest tennis players ever.

It is with great sadness that we'll see Andre leave tennis. His are big shoes to fill, not only on the court but in everyday life. With dominant players like Federrer and upcoming superstars like Nadel now in the spotlight, Andre's time has come will soon be gone. But I wish him well in his last few tournies and will always be a fan, not only of the tennis star but of the man who, to me, will always be Andre the giant.
(Goodbye my friend *tears, blows kisses back)