“Half-Aussie” Agassi makes sentimental Melbourne return

Four-time Australian Open champion Andre Agassi has made a nostalgic return to the Grand Slam, reminding that his victory in his debut 1995 edition at Melbourne Park was a first in many ways.

“1995 was the first Slam I won with no hair,” said the bald 53-year-old who played earning a long-haired wig for years over embarrassment of losing his barnet (barnet fair = hair cockney rhyming slang Ed) before finally giving up on the ruse

“I’ll never forget that,” he told the Nine Network on Sunday’s opening day.

The American who won his last Melbourne title in 2003 before retiring three years later, said he was sorry  to have avoided the trip to Australia for so many of the early years of his 16-year-career which yielded eight trophies at the majors.

“I’ll never forgive myself for that. But I’ve always felt connected here, I consider myself half-Australian.”

The legend said he is glad not to be facing Novak Djokovic, given the changed nature of the sport.

“It’s amazing how the game has evolved and changed, there is so much athleticism, turning defence into offense.

 “The dimensions of the sport have changed, I used to specialise in taking over the match and not letting the other guy back into it.

“I’m happy at this stage not to be involved at all.

Main photo:- AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2003 ANDRE AGASSI (USA) WITH TROPHY IN MELBOURNE PARK AND COACH DARREN CAHILL by ROGER PARKER FOTOSPORTS INTERNATIONAL