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Roddick refuses to shed tears for Agassi
Though an emotional Andre Agassi painfully limped out of the French Open on Wednesday, his fellow American Andy Roddick was not about to shed any tears.
Though an emotional Andre Agassi painfully limped out of the French Open on Wednesday, his fellow American Andy Roddick was not about to shed any tears.
"It's a little tough to feel sorry for someone who's won every tournament in the world," Roddick told reporters as he broke into fits of laughter.
Agassi was left hobbling on court on Tuesday after his 35-year-old body let him down on Tuesday during a 7-5 4-6 6-7 6-1 6-0 defeat by Finnish qualifier Jarkko Nieminen.
The American could barely move as a nerve in his back became inflamed midway through the match.
After losing 12 of the last 13 games, he bowed out of Roland Garros in what could well turn out to be his last appearance in the French capital.
"As a friend, I'm disappointed for him," Roddick said after becoming one of only three American men to reach the second round.
"You know, he's had his time here. Obviously, I don't know if this is his favourite surface any more. But it's too bad."
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Agassi remains the last man standing from the famed American quartet who dominated men's tennis for more than a decade.
The all-American smile had become a trademark on finals' day at the grand slams after Agassi, Pete Sampras, Jim Courier and Michael Chang won one major title after another.
Since 1989 the quartet chalked up 27 titles between them and ensured the Americans won at least one slam a season.
Agassi sealed his place in tennis history when he became the fifth man to win all four grand slam titles after his success at Roland Garros in 1999.
But with Agassi capturing the last of his eight grand slam trophies more than two years ago at the 2003 Australian Open, many believe the 2005 season will end up being his swansong and will close an incredible chapter in American tennis.
Roddick acknowledged that from the moment Agassi made his debut in 1986, he has been a class act.
"We all know what he's done on the court," said Roddick, who was four when Agassi first gained attention on the world stage.
"For me he's been more of a mentor. Obviously we all see what he can do (for the rest of the year).
"I think where I've learned the most from him is off the court, whether it be dealing with you (the media), on a personal level, you know, kind of how to handle your responsibilities, and even more than that.
"I've kind of learned by watching. He's made it known that if I ever have any questions, he's been/seen everything that's going to come my way or has come my way.
"He's been nothing but good to me."
