American tennis player Andre Agassi retires

September 4, 2006

Andre Agassi retired after a defeat by Benjamin Becker of Germany at the U.S. Open. The score was 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-5.

After the match ended, Thirty six year old Agassi sobbed as the 24,000 fans gave him a standing ovation lasting four minutes.

"The scoreboard said I lost today, but what the scoreboard doesn't say is what it is I've found," Agassi told the crowd, tears streaming down his cheeks, his voice cracking with emotion. "Over the last 21 years, I've found loyalty. You have pulled for me on the court and also in life. I have found inspiration. You have willed me to succeed sometimes even in my lowest moments."

Agassi had a 21-Year Tennis Career.

In all he won four Australian Opens (1995, 2000, 2001 and 2003), two US Opens (1994 and 1999), one Wimbledon (1992) and one French Open (1999).

He was also World No.1 on several occasions.

Recently, he had been increasingly crippled by a bulging disc in his lower back in the last 18 months and announced on June 24 that this was his farewell tournament.