In his 20 years at the US Open, Agassi never played in a 5th set tiebreak. In all of James Blake's visits to the U.S. Open, he's never played in a 5th set. Tonight, they battled in a match for the ages.

I rarely get to watch tennis on television as most of the big tourneys are out of my time zone, but tonight, I made sure to watch the match between Agassi and Blake. Agassi entered as the 7th seed at age 35. James Blake entered as a wildcard at age 25 (just three months older than myself). He had never made it to the semi-finals at the U.S. Open. Agassi has won it twice. Before the fifth set tiebreak, both players received a standing ovation.

As I type this, it's tied 4 all in the tiebreak. If either player wins, it'll be a great story. Right now, I'm rooting for Blake - he's always been someone I have cheered for, but either way it goes, it'll be great. Make it 5 all.

If Agassi wins tonight, I'd love for him to win it all (though I doubt that'll happen - same with Blake). Agassi is now serving for the match. What a tough way to lose his first ever 5th set in the U.S. Open should Blake lose.

And...we're tied up at 6 again - another standing ovation for two players putting forth as much as they can. And wow...what a point that was. Agassi up 7-6. What a great tiebreak to end a great match.

As they just said during the telecast - "Does someone have to lose?" Such a shame Blake had to lose that match. An absolutely amazing match. Go Agassi.

A: 3 3 6 6 7 (8-6)
B: 6 6 3 3 6

URL: The US Open 2005 - Grand Slam Tennis - Official Site by IBM