Houston, Nov 16: Defying age and his own expectations Andre Agassi produced yet another magical comeback to overcome Rainer Schuettler 5-7 6-0 6-4 to reach the finals of the ATP Masters Cup. Playing in his first event yesterday since a semi-final loss to Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero at the US Open, Agassi had not expected too much when he arrived at the Westside tennis club.
But with each match, all four lengthy three set affairs, the 33 year-old American has shaken off more rust to leave himself on the brink of capturing his first masters title since his first appearance at the year-end finale 13 years ago.
Agassi will now play Wimbledon champion Roger Federer in the final after the Swiss player defeated Andy Roddick in the later semi and a victory on Sunday would make him the oldest winner at any year-end championship in ATP history.
''You know this is not an easy tournament to win,'' said, Agassi, who last appeared in the final in Lisbon three years ago.
''There's been a lot of years where I've sort of come to this tournament a bit more spent than prepared.
''You've got to beat the best eight players in the year, it's not easy.
''Two months off, I came in here with some questions like, ''am I going to be ready''.
''I felt good but there's still a lot you have to get through out there on the court.''
Bureau Report