Ron Frehm/AP Photo

Though [Andre] Agassi, 32, had won four tournaments this year, he hadn't been to a Slam final since winning the 2001 Australian, and he hadn't gotten a big-time crack at [Pete] Sampras since losing to him in a four-set classic a year ago at Flushing Meadows. But suddenly the two men sniffed one more -- and most likely one last -- Grand Slam final showdown. As lesser names dropped out and rain drummed the nerves of everyone else, Agassi and Sampras, showing none of their recent vulnerability, tunneled through the draw toward each other, greatness seeking its own level. Only late on Saturday, after the men's semifinals, did it become clear that the fates had been conspiring to unleash the closest thing tennis has to a perfect storm. The only comparable men's rivalry, John McEnroe versus Jimmy Connors, was played out over 34 matches. This would be number 34 for Agassi and Sampras.

-from "A Grand Occasion" by S.L. Price, Sports Illustrated, Sept.16, 2002