Tense Affair (Philippoussis v Agassi)

Member Name: JRW

Product:	Philippoussis v Agassi
Date:	07/07/00 (13 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Triumph for tennis

Disadvantages: Too close

For an extremely close match I find it hard to believe that Andre Agassi has defeated Mark Phillipoussis in three straight sets.

The first set began with both Phillipoussis and Agassi holding their serves, the Australian doing so easily. After a fairly dull opening – mainly due to Phillipoussis’ excellent serving – the first set had to be decided using a tie break which Agassi won after finally hitting some of his famous returns off the mighty Phillipoussis serve.

The second set again began as the first had with both competitors holding serve without too much trouble. The break came late into the set with Agassi breaking serve to take the set 6-3. With Phillipoussis starting to look tired – due to his two epic five set encounters – Agassi began to increase the frequency and quality of his returns and general court play to take the third set 6-4.

Despite the short nature of the match, it would be foolish to suggest that it was a walkover. The tie was ultimately decided by perhaps four or five points, of which Agassi won the most. Had Phillipoussis done so then it would have been him, and not his opponent, who would be facing Patrick Rafter in the semi-finals.

Summary: