“Too many dips in his career”: Jimmy Connors once downplayed Andre Agassi’s US Open comeback against American legends Pete Sampras and John McEnroe

Jimmy Connors, speaking on September 22, 1999, in a press conference with British reporters, firmly rejected placing Andre Agassi alongside him, Pete Sampras, and John McEnroe. Despite Andre Agassi’s big year, winning both the French Open and the U.S. Open, reclaiming the World No. 1 spot and ending Sampras’s six-year streak, Connors was blunt: “I wouldn’t mention his name in the same breath.” He also dismissed claims that Agassi modeled his game on him, saying, “Imitation is the greatest form of flattery but I think they broke the mold when I finished.” Jimmy Connors added that Agassi’s comeback at age 29 was not admirable, saying there were “too many dips in his career,” and that with Agassi’s talent, he “should never have allowed himself to drop out of the top four or five.”

Jimmy Connors on André Agassi’s comeback and place among legends

Jimmy Connors was not astonished by Andre Agassi's achievements in 1999. Agassi climbed back to World #1 after the double French Open–U.S. Open. Connors thought that number one's termination of Sampras's long reign was insufficient to rank him among the absolute best. He emphasized how important stability is in a player's life.


Jimmy Connors emphasized that Agassi's career included many highs and lows, unlike Pete Sampras's consistent performance.

Jimmy Connors said "For him to be staging a comeback at the age of 29 is not the right thing," Connors said. "There have been too many dips in his career and he hasn't been consistently at the top of his game like Pete Sampras. With his talent, he should never have allowed himself to drop out of the top four or five."


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Andre Agassi’s farewell at the 2006 U.S. Open

Andre Agassi retired from professional tennis at the 2006 U.S. Open in New York. In his final match, held at Arthur Ashe Stadium, he lost in the third round to Germany’s Benjamin Becker. After the loss, the audience gave him a four-minute standing ovation. During his emotionally powerful farewell speech, Agassi said:
“The scoreboard said I lost today. But what the scoreboard doesn’t say is what it is I have found. Over the last 21 years, I have found loyalty… I found inspiration… And I’ve found generosity… I will take you and the memory of you with me for the rest of my life.”



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