What teenager came crashing into men’s professional tennis with a semi-final showing at the 1988 French Open exhibiting racket head speed and power seldom ever seen in the world of professional tennis? A career characterized by demin and flash. Over the years, fans saw him grow into his talent; sometimes they were disappointed. They felt that he had been cheating himself and them with so much wasted talent. But not the day he was lying on the green grass of the All England Club’s Centre Court savoring a five set first Grand Slam Title at the big “W,” Wimbledon.

Hollywood lurked around the corner. Who had possible career ending wrist surgery, only to emerge once again, but this time with a new coach, a new attitude and a renewed dedication to one of the most demanding professional sports. Grand Slam victories followed and fans flocked to his corner, big time. A new wife and kids added meaning to his life. One shall never forget those United States Davis Cup victories and the unforgettable farewell speech at the United States Open in New York. Fantastic!

So there he was across the net from me, the tennis icon, Hall of Famer, back in Washington, DC, at the Fitzgerald Tennis Center, on the dirt, on a Friday afternoon in April, doing what he does best, smacking tennis balls, using that racket head speed for yet another important charity cause, raising money for less advantaged youth. Amazing! I couldn’t help but think as I waited to shake his hand and say hey, here’s a guy who’s been thru a lifetime of experiences, good and bad and once again has come out on top. But far more important he has really grown up to be one heck-of-a human being.

Touché, Andre Agassi. It was an honor to shake your hand.