I totally understand, my fault for not clarifying. I was referencing the other poster's comment about Tiger being the best in the world and Mickelson being the tool who couldn't stand that fact. My point was that no matter whether a player is a scrub or a superstar, they could concievably still be a tool off the court, etc... So we're agreeing on that. I should have been more clear.
I've been involved in tennis circles for some time now, and I hear the same thing about Agassi being somewhat aloof and arrogant when it comes to greeting the fans, tournament organizers/staff, and even interacting with other players when the camera is not on him. When the camera is on him, he turns into the nicest guy in the world, even I'll admit that. His speech at the end of the match today was heartfelt. I like Agassi's game personally. Its fun to watch. But as an off court personality- I don't care much for it. Its like him and Sampras were cut from the same mold in their later years. Some of the nicest guys all around include Federer, Nadal, Safin, Haas, Blake and even Roddick. Federer had this great quote saying: "Its nice to important, but its important being nice."
Guga is another nice and popular player to be around with. Interesting stuff about Agassi. I can understand Sampras has the same attitude, but at least it's consistent with his on-court demeanor. During his heydays, John McEnroe, whose playing style remains my favorite, was an ******* both on- and off-court, camera present or not.
Anyone catch Blake's tribute to Agassi this US Open? http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2003240238_tennis02.html
I think I recall him beginning to shed his rebel image around the time they (him and Shields) got together...but I'm betting Graf was a huge influence in him extending his career and reaching number 1 again at 31 (I think).
Interesting. Not entirely surprising I'll admit. Still he's always been one of my favorite, if not my favorite tennis player; from the way he played to how he kept reinventing himself to stay competitive and to how he began to truly embrace the sport and its traditions and fans.
for those that are interest, agassi's farewell yesterday. i'm a grown man, but i have to admit that my room got really dusty while i was watching this. pretty emotional, to say the least. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Enqw5XG9suQ <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Enqw5XG9suQ"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Enqw5XG9suQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>
Great player...Really one of the great personas of the game...Had personality and nailed Brooke Shields...What more can you ask for...
