1 Response to kb94agassi_rafter

1. Voo de Mar says:

   March 30, 2023 at 2:14 am

   Points won by each set: | 27-15, 38-32 |
   Points won directly behind the serve:
   28 % Agassi – 16 of 57
   40 % Rafter – 22 of 55

   1/2 finals of Key Biscayne ’94: Sampras vs Courier, Agassi vs Rafter – it looks like a normal semifinal line-up of a big event given the 90s and the quality of these four players, but Rafter’s appearance in the best four was a big surprise then. He was ranked no. 46 and at the time it was his biggest achievement. He had defeated Sampras (Indianapolis ’93), Courier (Indian Wells ’94) & Chang (Key Biscayne ’94), so his advancement to the Top 10 within a few months could be anticipated following that success, but he needed to wait for it another three years. That night against Agassi [31], Rafter had no chance; he was forced to avoid a destruction saving a break point at 1:3 in the 2nd set. Rafter’s second serves were punishable then, his ground-strokes too soft and erratic. Three years later when he became one of the best players in the world, his game-style was very similar, but he was slightly better in every department as well as more patient during baseline rallies. Agassi vs Rafter (10-5) it’s one of the most intriguing rivalries of the 90s (actually extended to 2001) but in their first four official meetings, Agassi’s advantage was overwhelming – he didn’t drop his serve in the first 11 sets they played against each other! Agassi defeated Rafter “6-2, 6-4” three times in total.

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