Agassi stunned by Srichaphan

Andre Agassi followed Marat Safin and Pete Sampras out of the Wimbledon exit door tonight after a straight sets defeat to Thailand’s Paradorn Srichaphan.

Agassi started brightly, grabbing the first service break, but after that he was simply steamrollered by an inspired Srichaphan who had never previously advanced beyond the second round of any Grand Slam event.

The man who will face Britain in Davis Cup combat for Thailand later this year, went for all his shots and with Agassi responding with a series of unforced errors, the writing was on the wall long before the end.

Agassi might point to a debatable line call which gave Srichaphan a vital mini-break in the second set, but in truth he was completely outplayed.

Srichaphan produced a range of passing shots the type of which Agassi is normally noted for - and the American had no reply.

Even in the final set, when nerves might have got the better of the massive underdog, it was Agassi who faltered.

Twice Srichaphan broke his opponent’s serve.

It was all too much for Steffi Graf, who left shortly before the end, which came when Agassi was wide with a half-hearted passing shot, leaving the Thai to offer a silent prayer in celebration of the best win of his career.