The likeable Andre Agassi was a star of the ATP tour ever since he made his debut as a professional in 1986 at the age of 16, a prodigy of the famous Nick Bollettieri school. The American played on the tour for 20 years and was successful throughout.

He made headlines with his colourful clothes, long, scruffy hair and hairy chest, which the female fans loved but which later Agassi decided to shave! I remember at Wimbledon the crowd and media wondering what the American would wear for his matches, considering the strict 'white clothes' rule of the tournament. Like a true gentleman, out he stepped in a whole white outfit and white tennis cap, surprising the crowd once again!

Agassi had charisma and charm and his work ethic was second to none. He reached his first Grand Slam final in 1990, losing to Andres Gomez of Ecuador at the French Open. He was destined for far more success and later in his career achieved a brilliant eight Grand Slam wins and was runner-up at another six. 

Agassi won a record 17 Masters Series events on all different surfaces, showing just how versatile a player he was on the court. In 1999, Agassi achieved something remarkable - a career Grand Slam. He won both the French and US Opens that year to add to his Wimbledon title of 1992 and his Australian Open of 1995, making him an all-time great, one of only five men to achieve this great feat. Just look at the champions of past who have failed in this respect; Stefan Edberg, Ivan Lendl, Pete Sampras, Boris Becker and now even Roger Federer still needs to win the French Open to achieve it!

The success didn't stop there and in 1996, in his home country, Agassi added the Olympic crown to the growing array of trophies and medals in his cabinet and became the first American since 1924 to do so. The legend now had everything and had amassed nearly $30,000,000 in prize money alone when he finally retired. In total Agassi won an impresive 59 tournaments and reached a further 28 finals. The Las Vegas player won a staggering 822 singles matches and was a consistent top 10 player throughout his career, reaching the top position for the first time in April 1995.

I will always remember Agassi for his shot making. He had a powerful double-handed backhand which could produce a winner from anywhere on court. And Aassi used to leap into his shots, disguising his play very well and ultimately destroying much of his opposition. I also remember when he broke down after winning the 1992 Wimbledon final in pure jubilation. It meant so much to the rugged Yank and the fans couldn't have made more noise as Agassi defeated big-serving Goran Ivanisevic in five gruelling sets. What a performance from the great player.