AGASSI: NEWS
Tennis-Agassi fires warning after semi-final win
By Alastair Himmer
Januar 23, 2003
MELBOURNE, Jan 23 (Reuters) - A businesslike Andre Agassi warned that he was "better than ever" after demolishing South African Wayne Ferreira 6-2 6-2 6-3 to reach his fourth Australian Open final on Thursday.
Having flattened Ferreira with ruthless efficiency, the 32-year-old American declared he was on a mission to add to his collection of seven grand slam titles this year.
"It's my motivation to always improve. I'm sort of fueled by that. Overall, I do feel...stronger. I move better on the court, I'm more experienced, so my vote would be yes," the second seed said when asked if he felt he was in the best shape of his life.
"To me, getting to the quarters of a slam gives yourself a look at the basket. To lose the final of the U.S. Open (to Pete Sampras last year) was definitely disappointing, especially with the way I was playing."
But Agassi, bidding to become the first overseas player to win four men's singles titles at the Australian Open, insisted that his job was only half done in Melbourne.
"You got to come out and play and you got to come out and earn it," said Agassi, who will face either Andy Roddick or Rainer Schuettler in Sunday's final.
SWEETER EVERY TIME
Agassi agreed, though, that the achievement of reaching a grand slam final got sweeter every time.
"No question about it, I think you appreciate everything in life more. Opportunities get fewer, so they become more special," he said after advancing to his 14th grand slam final.
"I think everything has deeper roots in your own heart and mind."
Agassi dropped just one set on his way to the final and has now won 20 straight matches in Melbourne following his victories in 2000 and 2001. He pulled out on the eve of the tournament last year with a wrist injury.
The secret of his success in his 50th grand slam came down to good, old-fashioned hard work, he stressed.
"It's not easy to come down here very prepared, but it sure beats the alternative," said Agassi.
Wife Steffi Graf could soon be dusting down her sneakers. She has promised to play mixed doubles with her husband at the French Open if he wins the title on Sunday.
"She's a team player," said Agassi with a smile.
