Andre Agassi left the court after losing to Roger Federer waving to the crowd, throwing kisses at them. No one knows if he will return to the Australian Open; not even he.
It was moving to see him depart dejected and without his customary bow.
It was the most-awaited clash at the Australian Open. As soon as the draws were out people were talking about Andre Agassi meeting Roger Federer in the quarter-finals.
'Playing Roger in the quarters means I would have beaten three more players, so that's something I'd welcome, for sure,' said the American after winning the first round.
As the two walked to the court through the locker rooms, Federer was relaxed as ever. Apart from the tears he shed at Wimbledon 2003, the Swiss has shown little emotion on court. That Wimbledon was special; it was his first Grand Slam. Since then he won three Slams in 2004 and 24 matches on the trot. The feeling of invincibility is sinking in.
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'I am nervous before every match,' he had confessed. But to his credit, he still cares to win after eight Grand Slams and 59 career titles.
On Tuesday, Agassi was certainly there to win. Though Federer dispensed any fairytale campaign, the former champion was on the ball right from the beginning, unleashing the artistry he displayed since he won his first Grand Slam crown in 1992 at Wimbledon. But he was undone by the Swiss's speed and placements.
Federer has electric footwork and an amazing ball sense to compliment his grace on court. Before the match, he ran the risk of sounding cocky when he said, 'I think I've proven myself in the past. Even when I'm not playing perfect, I know I can beat him. He's not as good as he was when he was at the top of the ranking, otherwise he would be there. Fortunately, I'm there.'
Today, he proved more eloquent with the racquet in hand.
It is the aura of sport that we never really want to see a champion fade. We wait until his last show to capture the fleeting moments of genius; the last splash of colour to paint our memories.
But times change. Andre Agassi gives up his blond mane, longer earrings and the fashionable bandanas and settles for caps and a full white attire even on the floodlit Australian courts. And a work ethic and spirit that are better than his return of serve.
The American still has some miles to go before he makes the final bow. He is ranked eighth in the world and can beat legs 15 years younger than him.
But it would be unfair to compare him with the Federers and Roddicks. He is a man who has conquered many summits but is driven by the challenge of more adventures.
His fans, who spread across five continents and two generations, may still nurture a dream of another Grand Slam piece from the affable champion. But the chances are running out, as even when he gets through the first week of a tournament he runs into Federer or Hewitt or Roddick, all inspired individuals claiming his throne of greatness.
The expectations Agassi is burdened with are unreal, even for all his exploits. The years may be tiring to keep pace with him, but they will eventually catch up. Till that time let us enjoy him playing his game. For once, let sport not be all about winning; we may be able to find cheer as the legend is finally gilded.