Andre Agassi is about to retire from professional tennis but on Saturday afternoon he took time out to play a few points with some of the game's young hopefuls. The 36-year-old, who is contesting his last major tournament at the US Open, was the star attraction at the competition's traditional children's day.
The annual event gives young tennis fans the chance to join their heroes on the famous courts of Flushing Meadows. And this year they were given the opportunity to play with more than one sporting legend, as the iconic athlete's wife Steffi Graf likewise brought along her racquet and joined in the fun.
This year's Open will no doubt be an emotional experience for both Andre and his fans, as it marks the end of one of the game's most celebrated careers. "This has been my stage to prove myself over the years," said the two-time champion. "It has grown into a wonderful embrace on both parts. I think I started out a little unsure about playing here, and I grew into loving this more than any place in the world."
While Andre prepares to bow out of his stellar career, across the Atlantic in Spain Britain's favourite sportsman shows no sign of slowing down. David Beckham is reportedly due to discuss a new deal with his club Real Madrid next month that will keep him in the Spanish capital until 2009.
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