In a stunning dismissal that sent shockwaves through the tennis world, legendary player Jimmy Connors outright refused to consider Andre Agassi among the sport's all-time greats. This blunt rejection came during a press conference with British reporters on September 22, 1999, a year when Agassi was at the peak of a remarkable career resurgence.
Connors' Blunt Verdict on Agassi's Legacy
Despite Andre Agassi's phenomenal 1999 season—where he clinched both the French Open and the U.S. Open titles and reclaimed the World No. 1 ranking—Jimmy Connors was unimpressed. Agassi's achievement included ending Pete Sampras's six-year streak as the year-end world number one. Yet, Connors was brutally honest in his assessment. "I wouldn't mention his name in the same breath," he stated, firmly rejecting any notion of placing Agassi alongside himself, Pete Sampras, and John McEnroe in the pantheon of tennis legends.
Connors also brushed aside suggestions that Agassi had modelled his playing style on his own aggressive approach. "Imitation is the greatest form of flattery but I think they broke the mold when I finished," he remarked, asserting his own unique place in the game's history.
The Critique of Inconsistency and the 'Comeback'
Jimmy Connors' core argument against Agassi's legendary status hinged on a lack of sustained excellence. He emphasized the importance of stability, contrasting Agassi's volatile career trajectory with the consistent dominance of Pete Sampras. Connors was notably critical of Agassi's celebrated comeback at age 29, seeing it not as admirable but as a correction of past failures.
"For him to be staging a comeback at the age of 29 is not the right thing," Connors asserted. "There have been too many dips in his career and he hasn't been consistently at the top of his game like Pete Sampras. With his talent, he should never have allowed himself to drop out of the top four or five." This highlighted Connors' belief that true greatness is defined by relentless presence at the summit, not by periodic returns to it.
Agassi's Emotional Farewell at the 2006 U.S. Open
The story of Andre Agassi's career, with its acknowledged dips and monumental peaks, eventually found its poignant conclusion at the 2006 U.S. Open in New York. He retired from professional tennis after a third-round loss to Germany's Benjamin Becker at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The defeat was overshadowed by a moving, four-minute standing ovation from the adoring crowd.
In a farewell speech that remains iconic, Agassi reflected on a 21-year journey that transcended wins and losses. "The scoreboard said I lost today," he said. "But what the scoreboard doesn't say is what it is I have found. Over the last 21 years, I have found loyalty… I found inspiration… And I’ve found generosity… I will take you and the memory of you with me for the rest of my life."
This emotional exit stood in stark contrast to the harsh critique he received seven years prior, cementing his legacy not just as a player of extraordinary talent, but as a deeply human figure whose career resonated for its profound ups and downs, ultimately earning a unique and enduring place in the heart of the sport.
