Federer joins chorus of praise for retiring Agassi

Jun 25, 2006, 15:13 GMT

London - Roger Federer Sunday paid tribute to Andre Agassi, calling the soon-to-retire tennis icon 'a big legend of the game.'

A day after the 36-year-old Agassi said he would step down after this years's US Open, Swiss world number 1 Federer added his voice to those who will be sorry to see the old stager step down.

'He's had a terrific career, I was lucky enough to play against him,' Wimbledon top seed Federer said of eight-time grand Slam winner Agassi, bothered for years by back problems which finally forced him to stop defying time.

'Maybe we'll play here, maybe down in America.'

Federer praised Agassi as 'aggressive non stop.'

'He always stays aggressive no matter how the opponent plays. That you have to admire. He was one of the best returners in the game, obviously one of the most colourful personalities.

'Still playing today, 36 years old. It's an incredible effort.'

Agassi set a standard which Federer is striving to duplicate, winning all four of the Grand Slam titles.

The American completed his matched set in Paris, 1999, when he came form two sets to love down to beat Andrey Medvedev.

Three-time Wimbledon champion Federer lost a chance this month at Roland Garros when he was beaten in the clay final by Rafael Nadal.

'It all worked out for him to win all the four Grand Slams, he only won the French and Wimbledon (1992) once. But the way he did it was basically unexpected both times.

'He should have won the French earlier, but he's had a great career,' said Federer. dpa bs jb