What do Andre Agassi and a bottle of Bordeaux have in common? Their quality becomes better with age.

At the ripe age of 35, Agassi gave his fans and New York something to remember during his 20th run at the 2005 U.S. Open. Although he finished runner-up to No. 1 Roger Federer, whose precise placement is reminiscent of an assassin, Agassi showed some brilliance and some hope in the first three sets last Sunday. He attacked Federer’s backhand and showed extreme patience while facing the world’s No. 1. Although, after losing the third-set tiebreaker, Agassi seemed to have disappeared, easily handing the fourth set and the championship to Federer in 23 minutes, losing 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (1), 6-1. However, the grit and grind Agassi played with during the two weeks at New York will forever be remembered.

Before entering Sunday’s finale, Agassi had played 3 five-set matches, including two incredible battles against fellow Americans James Blake and Robby Ginepri. Despite his old school attire, Agassi showed no rust, running from one end of the court to the other in his white shorts, six inches above his knees. Agassi’s game elevated from one match to another, unleashing his serve as a strong weapon. Agassi’s overall fast and fierce movement and strokes make it hard to believe that this was the same player that did not play Wimbledon and lost in the first-round of the French Open due to a herniated disc in his lower back.

Agassi did not know if he would play again, but his trainer Gil Reyes, and his coach, Darren Cahill gave him the support and preparation he needed to be a competitive level again. Agassi’s diligent and tough training led to his successful return in late July, winning his first tournament back, going to the final in the next, and eventually becoming the oldest U.S. Open finalist in 31 years. The fiery crowd embraced Agassi, who had won in New York in 1994 and ’99, and he, in turn, fueled off their energy and played each point to dazzle and entertain them. The loss to Federer hurt more to Agassi due to the overwhelming support he felt in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday and how he believed that he left his fans disappointed.

As the ambassador of tennis, Agassi has given back to the sport that gave him so much success and memories. His genuine gratitude to the fans and mature insight into the game makes him a great spokesperson for tennis as well as for younger players. He sees a promising present and future for the sport and hopes that the compassion and competitiveness of the game will continue to grow.

While many wondered if this eight-time Grand Slam winner would be retiring soon, Agassi continues to take on the new challenges of the game, including the masterful Roger Federer. The ball placement genus has now beaten Agassi eight straight times. In fact, Agassi seems determined to beat the superior Swiss before he joins his peers, Pete Sampras, Michael Chang, and Jim Courier, on the sidelines.

Hopefully, Agassi’s goal will be uncorked before he leaves the court.