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On top of his game Agassi respectfully crushes up-and-comer Federer
NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Andre Agassi thrashed Roger Federer in straight sets at the U.S. Open on Monday and said the 20-year-old Swiss ought to consider the result a compliment. "Roger should take it as a big compliment that I played so well today," Agassi said after his 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 romp to the quarterfinals. "It takes that kind of respect for somebody's weapons and somebody's abilities that force you to execute everything without second-guessing it." Agassi reckoned he had to raise his game against the up-and-coming Swiss star, who had ended Pete Sampras' four-year reign as Wimbledon champion this summer in a fourth-round upset. And the 31-year-old American did just that, playing his best match of the tournament. "It was like third gear, then fifth gear," double Open champion Agassi said about revving up his attack. "Today I just absolutely stepped it up in every department. You need it to happen that way sometimes. "It was just coming off my racket so solid. Every time he hit a big serve and missed it, I felt like I was still on it. Then I would look at the speed gun and realize he was hitting with some pep. "It's just that I was seeing the ball that well. You feel like it's coming off your racket solid, you feel like you have time to get to the ball, you feel like you can get to the ball. "You're not letting anything affect your focus or concentration. It was a pretty tight package today." Agassi needed just 83 minutes to get past Federer and never dropped serve. The American rebuffed the Swiss all nine times he reached break point, while efficiently converting five of six break point chances himself. The world No. 2 said his heightened senses on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court has everything to do with facing a player of Federer's caliber. "A lot of times when people cut you slack out there or give you room, you choose the lower end of the quality of shot because you don't want to miss, and you know you can get away with it," Australian Open champion Agassi said. "But today was a question of knowing I had to execute a certain standard of shot, and there was no hesitation in any of my game. That, I think, comes from the quality of opponent, as well." Agassi said there was plenty to fear from Federer's game. "I don't worry as much when somebody gives me a look at the point because I have enough weapons at any point of the match to kind of step it up," he said. "He moves well, he volleys well. He snaps the ball off both wings and can get hot with his serve. You know, those are all things I consider problems from the other side of the net. "So there is an urgency to how you execute your shots." Agassi is sure to feel that sense of urgency again in the quarterfinals, where he will face Sampras. "It's a can't-lose for the fans," Agassi said about the entertainment level of his next Open encounter. "It's can't-lose for us, as well. It's just a great, great night for tennis." "This is what it all boils down to you, giving yourself a chance to win one of the major titles," continued Agassi. "It's just a thrill. It all feels like icing on the cake to me these days. Very, very sweet."
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. |
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