A classic script appears to be unfolding in the waning days of summer in Flushing Meadows.
The 2005 U.S. Open in New York ''an event many believed could provide the home field adavantage American phenom Andy Roddick needed to dethrone 2004 champ and No. 1 seed Roger Federer, initially failed to live up to expectations. Many picked the flashy youngster to conquer the competiton and solidify himself as one of the players in the world.
All the hype ended on the first day.
The 23-year-old Roddick bowed out in the first round to little-known Gilles Muller in straight sets and his newly acquired \mojo"" soon fizzled out. Roddick's premature exit seemingly signaled that America's best chance to capture and Open title had quickly washed away.
As of Tuesday night, three Americans remained: Robby Ginepri, James Blake and a guy named Agassi, yes, the 35 year old Andre Agassi, who, despite a herniated disk in his back is quietly making a run at his third Open title and a chance to elevate American tennis into the limelight, even if for just a brief period of time.
His potential run at on Open title in forthcoming days is crucial to the state of tennis in this country. Not since the Agassi/Pete Sampras battles has men's tennis meant anything in America. Roddick was given his chance to rejuvenate the state of game, but has balked in his numerous oppurtunities.
Men's tennis in the United States has lacked a legitimate star to call their own since, well, Andre Agassi. Though many have put forth an optimistic faith in Roddick, the youngster has compiled more magazine cover shots than tour victories.
Few can match his overwhelming serve and blistering forehand, but his failure to perform on the grander scales has haulted his jump into tennis' elite.
Realistically, this may be the final chance for Agassi to awe the sold-out crowd in Arthur Ashe stadium. This may be his last chance to hoist a major title on his home soil, and conclude the legend that is Andre Agassi.
The Open played home to a collection of tennis' classic American moments. Jimmy Connors performance in 1991, coming back from a 5-2 defecit in the fifth set to defeat Aaron Krickstein, wildly pumping his arms after winning shots, while celebrating his 39th birthday with a wild, pro-Connors crowd. Or a reserved Pete Sampras fighting off fatigue, illness and the death of his coach just weeks before to outlast Alex Corretja of Spain in an epic quarterfinal match.
Agassi's last Open victory came in 1999, as he entered the tournament unseeded and made an improbable run to capture the title. Though his shoulder-length blonde hair has long given way to a more polished look, his charisma and ability to control the emotions of those watching has not.
In the coming days, American tennis will once again turn to Agassi, the only player since Rod Laver to capture tennis' grand slam (victories in all four major tournaments: U.S. Open, French Open, Australian Open and Wimbeldon) one last time in hopes of providing a final weekend of memorable moments.
In his way stands Roger Federer, who has dominated men's tennis the past two years. It would take an unbelievable performance to prevail against the powerful Swiss native, who has compiled five grand slam titles in the past two years.
Yet, if any player remaining in the draw has a chance to achieve the impossible, the living legend can come through.
The men's final is scheduled for September 11 in the heart of New York. Sports can never overshadow what happened five years ago, but it has always had the ability to instill a sense of pride in American citizens. A bright-eyed Agassi hoisting the Open title would be a good start on that day ...
Jon is a senior majoring in English and Journalism, he can be reached for comment at jrmcnamara@wisc.edu
