Quote machine: Andre Agassi
Originally published on: 26/02/10 14:57
So far weve celebrated words of wisdom from the likes of shrinking violets such as Anna Kournikova,
Andy Roddick,
Jelena Jankovic
and John McEnroe.
Our all-time favourite has to be Kournikova’s revelation that “God gives all to those who get up early.” Er, right, Anna. Whatever you say.
Next in line for some Tennishead quote machine treatment is Andre Kirk Agassi, undisputed king of the early return of serve and the press conference.
Having lifted all four grand slam singles trophies during his career, some say he was the greatest ever to pick up a racket, that winning in Melbourne, Paris, Wimbledon and New York made him the ultimate tennis player.
Others claim hell be remembered for his charisma, his personality and his sense of perspective. He appreciated his gift and was in touch with his fans, they insist.
Who can forget his emotional ‘the scoreboard said I lost today’ farewell speech to the New York crowd moments after his career had come to an end in September 2006.
It will go down in post-match, on-court interview history!
Most of the time what he said made perfect sense to us fans his words left us in awe of the depth of his personality and of his understanding of the sport.
But sometimes what he said left us scratching our heads and wondering what on earth he was banging on about
Andre Agassi’s words of wisdom
“He can keep his spin, but I’d rather take away his speed or make him right-handed. Any one of those things would change the dynamics dramatically. I’d first go speed, then I’d go right-handed, then I’d go spin. On clay it’s different. Spin would probably be right up there with the speed.”
“I feel old when I see mousse in my opponent’s hair.”
“Its shocking how little there is to do with tennis when youre just thinking about nothing except winning every point.”
“I knew it was on the bubble of getting really tough.”
“James is a guy that runs on high octane… he’s a fighter jet. He burns the fuel fast and furious. He’s gotten much better with that over the years, but he plays so big and he’s so fast that if an edge does come off, it’s a big relief. He flies around the court.”
“Even a blind dog can find a bone now and then.”
“Everybody here is taking the day out of their lives to come watch me, and I thank you for that.”
“Youve got to believe you can win. But I believe respect for the fact that you can lose is what you always have to keep in your mind so that nothing surprises you.”
“The skirts look like they’re a little difficult to run in. I think they need to be shorter.”
“You just sort of expect to leave the dance with the ones you came with. When they decide that it’s time for them, it’s sad.”
Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here
