Wimbledon 2000 Semi-Final - Agassi vs. Rafter

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.