Wimbledon: Agassi hopes hard work pays off

Andre Agassi is banking on his relentless work ethic to carry him to his second Wimbledon crown.

Advancing years and Grand Slam titles galore have not dimmed the 31-year-old American's burning desire to add to his collection.

Nicolas Massu found that out the hard way losing 6-3 6-1 6-1 on Court One yesterday.

Agassi said: "It's a lot of work, day after day, knowing where to put importance on things and where to let things slide - when not to be too hard on yourself, when to ask more of yourself.

"It's been a great year so far but there's still a lot to do. I just hope that I can get better and give myself a look at the basket."

While Agassi's rivals have struggled this week under the SW19 sun, Agassi has reached the second week dropping no sets and only 28 games.

The draw is now opening up for Agassi, following defeats for seeds Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Sebastien Grosjean in his half of the draw, but he insists he can take nothing for granted, and that his real challenge is only just beginning.

"Wimbledon is a different tournament in the second week. The grass is playing a lot differently and the level of competition is such that you know you're playing the best in the world for the biggest title in the world. There's a lot on the line but that's what you play for."

Agassi has done a lot since he left his first indelible mark on the championship as a tously-haired 22-year-old, and he believes the benefit of his up-and-down journey from bottom to top to bottom and back again stands him in good stead to repeat that sensational 1992 triumph.

"I feel rather experienced and ready for this challenge," Agassi added. "I think in 92 it was probably a lot more against the odds. That said, it would be an incredible accomplishment for me."