looking in on: wimbledon

James Borg

Friday, June 30, 2006 | 7:38 a.m.

Wimbledon continues to buzz over the Andre Agassi farewell show.

I've seen lots of enthusiastic receptions on Centre Court over the last 30 years, but Agassi's appearance for his first match on Tuesday will stick in my mind for a long time.

Usually the standing ovations come after the match. This time it was before a ball had even been struck. Walking onto the court with his rackets at holster level, looking like the Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, was enough to trigger the applause for the former champion in his retirement year.

The whole crowd - including those in the Royal Box - rose to their feet and applauded as he walked to his chair, as he unwrapped his rackets, as he walked to the coin-toss.

It looked as though the match might be delayed, not by the customary downpour of rain, but by the outpouring of applause. Thankfully, when he blew kisses to all four corners of the court - an Agassi signature - they finally allowed him to play.

The intensity returned again Thursday with the unusual sight of coach Darren Cahill on his feet to applaud his man during the second set tie-break of the match against Andreas Seppi, who Agassi beat in three sets. Cahill, who has had no fewer than 10 knee operations, can empathize with Agassi's injuries. Players are lining up to engage Cahill's services after Agassi's final match at the U.S. Open.

After the match, Agassi was besieged by courtside autograph hunters, who implored, "Don't retire." His response: "I'll talk to my family about that - and my body."

While this was going on, what has been hailed as the Match of the Tournament was being played on neighboring Centre Court. Rafael Nadal came back from two sets down against Californian Robert Kendrick, a qualifier ranked No. 237 in the world. Nadal will meet Agassi on Super Saturday.

I've been talking to players to gauge their reaction to Agassi's retirement and will be relaying their thoughts over the fortnight. First up, former champion and current TV commentator John McEnroe.

"We're talking about a living legend. Just take a look at him here. He's the only player I know who can take three, four months off and look as though he's played the previous week," McEnroe said.

"There isn't a country I've been to where he is not recognized, and the applause he gets is unbelievable. He can do no wrong. Andre started out as the George Foreman of tennis - surly, difficult. Then he was transformed. Now he's a teddy bear. He oozes happiness.

"We'll all miss him. Let's appreciate every moment here."