Agassi takes last bow on big stage

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.

Yet there was one sporting farewell in 2006 that stands out in this correspondent’s experience these last 12 months as a totally uplifting experience, an emotional adios that was poignant but not tragic, stylish yet not superficial and sentimental but never mawkish.

It came in New York, on the first Sunday in September as the US Open championships were just edging towards the business end of the final grand slam of the year.