An emotional close to Agassi’s career

New York – Andre Agassi’s two decade long tennis career came to an end as he was knocked out in four sets by German qualifier Benjamin Becker in the U.S. Open third round on Sunday. 25-year-old Becker, who entered the competition ranked 112th, won 7-5 6-7 6-4 7-5 over Agassi, who was ranked 39.

During the match, Agassi was unable to play his normal game. At change of ends, even there were moments when he barely seemed able to walk. Looking far older than his 36 years, Agassi had to fight not only his bad back but also the overwhelming and conflicting emotions.

After it finished, Agassi sat in his chair and put a towel to his familiar face. He was already crying. Becker joined the crowd of 23,000 to stand and cheer the eight time Grand-Slam champion by applauding for several minutes. There was the tangible sense of departure, surrounding the American, of knowing that his tennis career has come to an end.

Agassi rose and blew a few kisses to the crowd and finally took the microphone from the on-court reporter. “The scoreboard said I lost today,” said Agassi, his voice breaking with emotion, “but what the scoreboard doesn't say is what it is I have found.”

"You have willed me to achieve even in my lowest moments," he added, "You have given me your shoulders to stand on to reach for my dreams, dreams that I could not have reached without you."

This day and these tournament were all about saying goodbye to an eight-time Grand Slam champion who grew up in front of the world, from brash kid with the shoulder-length hair and denim shorts to the thoughtful guy with the shaved head and proper tennis whites.

For Agassi himself and the 23,000 or so fans that honored him with a rasping, four-minute standing ovation in Arthur Ashe Stadium after the match, it truly did not matter all that much what the outcome of the match was.

After Agassi shared a private moment with Graf and their children, he entered the locker room to another standing ovation, this one from his fellow players. “Every person in the draw, with the exception of if you're 33 years old, probably idolized Andre at some point," said Roddick. "It's got to be similar to what the NBA rookies were like playing (Michael) Jordan in his last year. I mean, he's just revolutionized the sport. ... He's irreplaceable.