During my Aunt Audrey's wedding at a fancy restaurant in Manhattan, word had been going around that Andre Agassi was dining downstairs with his then wife Brooke Shields. My cousin Aimee was, at that time, completely obsessed with tennis and Andre was top of her list of crushes. This was, I think, in 1994 or 1995, so it was basically during Andre's heyday. Myself, my drunk-ass girlfriend and my sister decided to go downstairs to see if the hype was true. We didn't want to disturb them, and we had no intention of walking up to their table or anything, we just wanted to see if they were there. So, we walked down, and as we approached the restaurant area, they were up from their table and about to leave. As they walked toward us, I decided to say hello. Andre was extremely courteous while Brooke was pulling him to leave, not even acknowledging the 18yr old star-struck kid standing there. Andre shook my hand and I was just in awe. I asked him a simple favor - I told him about Aimee and asked if he would wave to her. I walked with him towards the door, and just at that moment Aimee was walking down the stairs. Now, I know this was 11 or 12 years ago, but I remember the next part so clearly...I was standing behind him. I tapped him on the shoulder and pointed up to Aimee and said, "That's her." He looked at her, smiled and waved. I'll never forget the look on Aimee's face as I thought she was going to collapse and fall down the stairs (she didn't). I thanked him, and he and his bitch wife left. I am glad he dumped her ass a few years later.
From then on, I became an Andre fan. He was very kind to me and my cousin when he could have easily breezed out of there or had me arrested for touching his shoulder. He is a class act, and I enjoyed watching him win tennis tournaments. It was a bit difficult watching him struggle today, during his last ever professional tournament. He retired today, after 21 years as a pro. That's a long time in any sport, let alone one as physically demanding as tennis. We saw his trademark "four corner salute" for the last time today. I think the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium is still applauding as I write this nearly 12 hours later.
So, I just wanted to post this, for posterity, that I will be sad to see Andre retire, but I am sure his family and his body will thank him.
His final interview was eloquent. Who would have thought that this guy, who started his career with his long hair and "image is everything" slogan would end up this way? Not only did all of the players applaud him as he entered the locker room, but the PRESS gave him a standing ovation at the conclusion of his final press conference. How often do the media salute a star athlete in that way?? He said a few words before he left the court for the last time:
"The scoreboard said I lost today, but what the scoreboard doesn't say is what it is I have found. And over the last 21 years, I have found loyalty. You have pulled for me on the court and also in life. I've found inspiration. You have willed me to succeed, sometimes even in my lowest moments. And I've found generosity. You have given me your shoulders to stand on to reach for my dreams, dreams I could have never reached without you. Over the last 21 years, I have found you and I will take you and the memory of you with me for the rest of my life. Thank you."
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