5 matches that shaped Andre Agassi's career ft. 1990 US Open Final vs Pete Sampras
Andre Agassi is one of the most recognizable names in the sport. The American’s stellar career spanned two decades and saw him lift eight singles Grand Slam titles and spend over 100 weeks at the World No. 1 position.
There are always a few big moments that are defining for a player. In Agassi’s case, they came spread across his career, which saw its fair share of highs and lows.
Here, we look at precisely some of these moments that stand out from the American’s many big victories:
1990 US Open Final vs Pete Sampras
The 1990 US Open summit clash was special for more reasons than one. Not only was it one of Andre Agassi’s first finals at the level, but also the starting of what would go on to become one of the sport’s most celebrated rivalries.
Playing against fellow up-and-coming star Pete Sampras, Agassi was a favorite to walk away with his first Grand Slam trophy. His opponent, however, had other plans.
Sampras had ended Ivan Lendl’s incredible eight-title run in New York en route to the final and was changed from the get-go. He surprised his opponent and the packed crowd with his dominant showing, winning in straight sets 6-4, 6-3, 6-2.
Hence began a rivalry that would span two decades. Agassi drew level twice but Sampras managed to stay ahead for most parts. Both men, however, continued to push each other, making them better players in the process.
Andre Agassi's 1991 French Open final vs Jim Courier
First Grand Slam finals can be overwhelming. Fans have seen players falter on the big stage only to bounce back and win their second, or even third try.
Agassi, however, needed longer to get his hands on a Grand Slam trophy. His third Grand Slam final, an incredibly close five-set loss to Jim Courier, would have come as a big blow. He was in a winning position, up two sets to one. Losing any match, let alone a Grand Slam final, with the finish line in sight can break down a player’s morale.
Agassi, however, buckled down, blocked the noise, and stuck to the grind. The 6–3, 4–6, 6–2, 1–6, 4–6 scoreline gave a good account of his fighter qualities and he would continue to showcase the same grit over the rest of his career as well.
1992 Wimbledon Final vs Goran Ivanisevic
The fourth time’s the charm when it comes to Andre Agassi. The American finally captured his maiden Grand Slam crown in his fourth final, at the 1992 Wimbledon Championships.
Playing in just his third Championships, Agassi made the final and found himself up against a higher seed in the form of Goran Ivanisevic.
The match began in spectacular fashion, with the Croat eking out the closest of opening sets in a tiebreaker 10-8. The American, however, mounted a comeback and the encounter went into a fifth set.
The memories of having lost another Slam final in a similar fashion must have come in handy for Agassi. He was in no mood to squander away another opportunity and did find himself holding the winner’s trophy at the end of the epic 6–7(10), 6–4, 6–4, 1–6, 6–4 final.
1998 Australian Open 2R vs Albert Costa
Naysayers had written Agassi off after the 1997 season that had seen him plummet outside the top 100 in the world rankings.
The American, however, was putting in the work away from the spotlight. Slowly building back after a troublesome period, both professional and personal, he showed flashes of his past brilliance at the 1998 Australian Open.
His first win over a big name, future Grand Slam champion Albert Costa, reminded fans just how good Agassi was on the hard courts. His first-strike tennis was on full display as he pushed his opponent onto the backfoot with one piercing groundstroke after the other.
While Agassi would go on the lose in the fourth round to Alberto Salazar, his 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 7-5 win over Costa was the beginning of a stellar return.
1999 French Open Final vs Andrei Medvedev
The comeback that began in 1998 came to fruition a year later in Paris. Not only did Andre Agassi win his first Grand Slam title after his layoff but also became just the fifth man in history to complete a Career Slam. He had lost two prior finals in Paris and it looked like the dubious streak would stay alive when he trailed Andrei Medvedev two sets to love. A surprise comeback that culminated in his 1–6, 2–6, 6–4, 6–3, 6–4 victory cemented his place in tennis history.
Agassi’s first four Grand Slam titles came on three different surfaces, a feat unheard of at the time. It was a testament to his adaptability and dynamism. He would go on to reclaim the World No. 1 ranking later that year but it all began on that fateful day in Paris.