Pat Rafter (AUS) v Andre Agassi (USA)
Men's Singles Semi-Final - 2000
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The 2000 encounter between Patrick Rafter and Andre Agassi
was one of the most memorable Gentlemen's Singles Semi-Final's
ever. Few people can provide the kind of match Agassi and
Rafter played on Centre Court in Wimbledon 2000. With two
very contrasting styles, the match proved to be a thriller,
with excitement, entertainment and the highest quality tennis.
Rafter overcame the ageless Agassi in a heart-stopping five
sets 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-3. The Centre Court at Wimbledon
has seen some great matches over the last 114 years of tennis
at SW19, and has indeed been the very home of tennis excellence.
The Agassi v Rafter match lifted the standard to almost unattainable
levels. Agassi, winner of grand slams on all the four surfaces,
had a tough time countering the Australian's masterful volleys
and skill at the net.
Rafter's confidence and stunning half volleys helped him
win the first set 7-5. Agassi fought back and quickly gained
strength to break Rafter's serve with some unbelievable returns.
As Agassi found his serve, he was able to gain some free points
and went on to secure the second set 4-6.
As the crowd saw Agassi's game returning, they now waited
for the inevitable; the American to power through to take
the next set. However, they were made to wait, as Rafter instead
broke Agassi's serve to take the third set 7-5. Always the
showman, Agassi did not want to disappoint the crowd and again
fought back to take the fourth set 4-6.
The crowd were now on the edge of their seats not knowing
what would be the outcome of this epic semi-final. With both
players taking the court for a showdown in the fifth set,
Rafter's power now gave him the edge. He took the last set
in 25 minutes to win a place against the masterful Pete Sampras.
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