Open-Agassi says wife Steffi Graf inspires him - 網球

By Larry Fine

NEW YORK, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Andre Agassi advanced to the fourth round of the
U.S. Open on Saturday with a 3-6 6-1 6-4 7-6 victory over Czech Tomas Berdych
and afterwards said his wife, Steffi Graf, was an inspiration to him.

"I suppose watching her going about her life is the greatest lesson I could
learn," said Agassi, who is mounting a campaign for a third U.S. Open title
in his 20th successive trip to Flushing Meadows.

"I mean, in tennis, when you evolve as a person and you're more disciplined
in your life and more commitment and passion and focus and intensity, it all
translates into the tennis court, and vice versa.

"When you start showing more discipline on the court, then your life starts
to reflect that."

Agassi, who expresses a new appreciation for his career now at age 35, said
he is most grateful for the life lessons he has learned from Graf, winner of
22 career grand slam singles titles.

"Seeing how Stef went about parts of her career, most of it I wasn't anywhere
near seeing close up, but more importantly how she goes about her life," he
said about her greatest influence on him.

"It's pretty clear focus, every day reflecting her values and priorities. So
I aspire to that."

Agassi's new maturity in recent years has also extended to his wardrobe. The
once-flamboyant star, who used to bleach his long hair and wear denim shorts
and iridescent colors, now performs in classic tennis whites.

"I'm at the stage where I've just thought to myself, 'If I dress like my
wife, maybe I can play like my wife'," he said, drawing a big laugh at his
news conference. "Been working, by the way."



Updated on Saturday, Sep 3, 2005 8:21 pm EDT

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