Wimbledon 2000 Semi-Final - Agassi vs. Rafter (2003)

Features one of the most memorable Gentlemen's Singles Final's ever. Few people can provide the kind of match Andre Agassi and Patrick Rafter played on Centre Court at the Wimbledon 2000 Semifinal. With two very contrasting styles, the match proved to be a thriller, with excitement, entertainment and the highest quality tennis. Rafter overcame the ageless Agassi in a heart-stopping five sets 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-3. The Centre Court at Wimbledon has seen some great matches over the last 114 years of tennis at SW19, and has indeed been the very home of tennis excellence. The Agassi vs. Rafter match lifted the standard to almost unattainable levels. Agassi, winner of grand slams on all the four surfaces, had a tough time countering the Australian’s masterful volleys and skill at the net. Rafter’s confidence and stunning half volleys helped him win the first set 7-5. Agassi fought back and quickly gained strength to break Rafter's serve with some unbelievable returns. As Agassi found his serve, he was able to gain some free points and went on to secure the second set 4-6.As the crowd saw Agassi’s game returning, they now waited for the inevitable; the American to power through to take the next set. However, they were made to wait, as Rafter instead broke Agassi’s serve to take the third set 7-5. Always the showman, Agassi did not want to disappoint the crowd and again fought back to take the fourth set 4-6. The crowd were now on the edge of their seats not knowing what would be the outcome of this epic Semifinal. With both players taking the court for a showdown in the fifth set, Rafter’s power now gave him the edge. He took the last set in 25 minutes to win a place against the masterful Pete Sampras.

Agassi v. Rafter Wimbledon Semi

This is one of the better, big-time matches in tennis history between two monsters of their time. The contrasting styles. . . Agassi, the precision baseliner who played with passion and fire versus Rafter, the swashbuckling, all-courter who could volley with the best of them. Both players play smart tennis on a slower than usual, Center Court at Wimbledon.

A must have DVD for any tennis fan, especially if you loved Rafter's game like I did. (notice a pissed off Agassi smack a ball at a line judge just before they shake hands at the net) October 3, 2008

Agassi vs. Rafter

Except for his two back-to-back U.S. Open victories, Pat Rafter was left holding the plate at Wimbledon finals not once, but twice. This is a semi-final, however, and it shows Rafter at his best. He undoes Agassi at his own relentless baseline game, mixing up spins and speeds, and then delivering the power shot. Rafter would go on to stun Sampras in the first set of the final, but then the rains came. He would not win-- perhaps he was destined never to win at Wimbledon. But, here, for several hours of thrilling tennis, he shows how intelligent and exciting a player he could be. Highly recommended. January 30, 2007

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