I had my first tryst with top-flight tennis in 1985. I could not return to school after the mid-summer vacation since I was recovering from minor fracture on my hand and those few extra days at home helped me to develop an affection for tennis.
Though I did not realise the nuances of the game then, it was highly thrilling to watch players like Boris Becker (making his debut), Mats Wilander, Ivan Lendl and Stefan Edberg in action at the famous Centre Court.
Since then I made it a point to watch every Wimbledon, and the most exciting final -- till I watched the one between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in 2008 -- was the title clash between Andre Agassi and Goran Ivanisevic in 1992. Pete Sampras' seven finals were mostly one-sided, courtesy his brilliant grass court game, and I guess only Jim Courier had managed to stretch him in the 1993 final.
The '92 final was a heart-stopper. It was a contest between Agassi's prowess in returning and Ivanisevic's ability to fire aces at will. Finally, the American's all-round skills prevailed in a tense five-setter. Agassi, only man to win all four Grand Slams after Rod Laver, scripted some amazing wins and comebacks in the subsequent years, but I never imagined to see him again in action at the Centre Court after his retirement. That seemed a miracle even beyond Agassi.
But the last Sunday offered a double delight for me as in watching two great champions in action -- Agassi and Mrs Agassi (Steffi Graff) against Tim Henman and Kim Clijsters in an exhibition doubles match. There was some extra pound of flesh around Agassi's waist and his face a tad more chubby. Graff was every inch the same old West German 'wunder kind' -- epitome of feminine grace, though a bit rusty at times with racquet.
Agassi, however, straightaway hit the strides and started the proceedings with an ace down the centre reducing Clijsters to a mere spectator. The American spotted a sheepish grin immediately as if asking the Belgian to stand a few steps back. Then there was those trademark stretch-returns and backhand cross court winners, eliciting loud applause from a packed house as well as from his opponents.
Steffi had her own moments. The great German slapped Agassi on the shoulder after the latter accidentally drove a return to the midriff of Clijsters. Then there was a playful spank on her husband's back and numerous smooches in appreciation of some really remarkable shots. It was as if Henman-Clijsters duo were non-existent at the other end, and it was also a wonderful union of sports and love at the greatest stage of tennis.
A one set singles contest followed between Agassi and Henman, and time seemed to roll back at the Las Vegas man's court as he unfurled some super shots to subdue his English rival 6-4. For me, it was like travelling in a time machine.
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