Agassi Ends Career At US Open

(Andre Agassi of the United States blows a kiss to fans after losing his third round match to Benjamin Becker of Germany and retiring from tennis at the 2006 US Open at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, 03 September 2006.)

Andre Agassi's glittering career came to an end on Sunday when he was beaten in four sets by German qualifier Benjamin Becker in the third round of the U.S. Open.

Becker, a 112th ranked former collegiate champion playing in just his second grand slam event, sent Agassi into retirement with a 7-5 6-7 6-4 7-5 victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

All eyes were on Agassi, who had announced at Wimbledon that the Open would be the final tournament of his remarkable 21-year career.

Agassi fought gamely but ultimately lost to Becker, who fired 27 aces and had 82 winners. After the match, Agassi sat on his courtside chair and sobbed uncontrollably.

"You have given me your shoulders to stand on to reach for my dreams, dreams I could never have reached without you," he told the crowd.

"Over the last 21 years, I have found you, and I will take you and the memory of you with me for the rest of my life."