IT has been a year of good-byes in so many ways. From the murder of former heavyweight boxer Trevor Berbick to the deaths of Tiger Woods’ father Earl and even the great grey chaser Desert Orchid; sport has lost some of its greatest shapers, influences and heroes.

Andre Agassi’s magical run continued at the US Open but he will need to pull out every trick to beat defending champion Roger Federer in the final.

Grand Slam finalist in 31 years with his third straight five-set victory, a 6-4 5-7 6-3 4-6 6-3 triumph over fellow American Robby Ginepri today at the National Tennis Center.

Roger Federer will have to wait another day to try to tame a pro-Andre Agassi crowd and advance to the semi-finals of the US Open.

Lleyton Hewitt, the 2001 champion, routed 30th seed Feliciano Lopez of Spain 6-1 6-4 6-2 in the third round of the US Open and cannot meet another seed until the semi-finals.