The Sports Guru

Ok, I admit it.  I was watching the NFL Network.  Watching 5 or 6 different seemingly meaningless preseason games when on came a commercial.  I flipped around and came upon the U.S.Open and Andre Agassi.  At the time he had just lost the 3rd set, but was still leading 2 sets to 1.  Immediately I became fixated on the action.  I am the Sports Guru, mine you, and this site encompasses all sports big or small, team or individual.  For anyone not into tennis, or Agassi, all of this is a big deal because Andre announced his retirement effective after the Open.  Every next match could possibly be the last.  Being the sports fanatic that I am I couldn’t miss this.  It’s not often when you can watch a legend compete for the last time.  I remember watching this same tournament a few years ago when it was Pete Sampras preparing to leave the stage.  He was facing  Agassi in the Final.  That night the crowd was with Sampras.  He beat Agassi, and rode off into the sunset.   Now it is Agassi’s turn.  20,000+ screaming Americans at his side.

It reminds me of another U.S. Open, and another over the hill legend looking for one last chance at glory.  It was 1991, and Connors was 39.  Way too old to compete in such a young man’s game, a game dominated by young men in their early 20’s.  But there he was, feeding off the spirit of the Flushing, NY crowd, charging all the way to the Semi’s before finally caving.  But what a ride it was.  For players and fans alike, 2 weeks that will never be forgotten, that transcended sports.

Back to this night, Agassi’s night.  It is only the 2nd Round, but the atmosphere is electric.  People want to see the magic, they want 1991 and Jimmy Connors back.  Agassi has been down and out before, first as a phenom that was too rebellious to succeed.  It was always the focus of a champion that seemed to elude Agassi, and his critics were quick to point out he may never gain it.  He did, in fact gain the focus, and it lead him to 8 Major Titles, including the career Grand Slam, something Pete Sampras was never able to accomplish.

Agassi has been mch more than a tennis layer, he has transcended his sport.  He became a media darling, pitching everything from credit cards to cameras.  He was once married to Brooke Shields, and lived the Hollywood life.  On the court, however, he was dominant.  There were better grass court players, better clay court players, better hard court players.  But as a total package, Agassi was one of the best.

The marathon has just ended.  Agassi prevails and continues.  The story isn’t over, the clock yet to strike midnight.  Tonite, somewhere, Pete Sampras is smiling.  Tennis fans are smiling.  Guys like me, who wouldn’t consider themselves more than casual observers, are smiling.  And without a doubt, Jimmy Connors is smiling.  The magic is back, and Andre Agassi just pulled a rabbit from his hat.

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