Around 19 years ago, tennis legend Andre Agassi brought a storied end to his professional playing career.

Agassi warmed the hearts of many during his 20-year career, demonstrating the grit and determination to battle past his off-court struggles in the 1990s and return to the summit of the game.

The journeyman won eight Grand Slam titles during his career and reached the status of world number one.

In round three of the 2006 US Open, Agassi lost to Benjamin Becker. This marked the end of his whirlwind tennis career.

TENNIS-ANDRE AGASSIPhoto by JEAN-LOUP GAUTREAU/AFP via Getty Images

After the match, Agassi closed his tennis career with a speech that touched the hearts of all who sat inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium that day.

Andre Agassi’s message to the US Open crowd

Although Agassi had lost to Becker, the American had more important things on his mind.

Agassi paid tribute to the crowd, thanking them for their loyalty, inspiration and generosity throughout his career.

Agassi said: “The scoreboard said I lost today. But what the scoreboard doesn’t say is what it is I have found.

“Over the last 21 years, I have found loyalty. You have pulled for me on the court, and also in life.

“I have found inspiration. You have willed me to succeed, sometimes even in my lowest moments.

“And I have found generosity. You have given me your shoulders to stand on, to reach for my dreams, dreams I never could have reached without you.

“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. Thank you.”

Andre Agassi’s eight Grand Slam titles

Over a period of 11 years, Andre Agassi won eight Grand Slam titles.

His first came at Wimbledon in 1992, where he beat Goran Ivanisevic in a marathon five-set match to win the final.

His last came at the 2003 Australian Open, where he defeated Rainer Schüttler in straight sets to win the title.

Grand Slam Year Final Result Wimbledon 1992 bt. Goran Ivanisevic 6-7 6-4 6-4 1-6 6-4 US Open 1994 bt. Michael Stich 6-1 7-6 7-5 Australian Open 1995 bt. Pete Sampras 4–6 6–1 7–6 6–4 French Open 1999 bt. Andriy Medvedev 1–6 2–6 6–4 6–3 6–4  US Open 1999 bt. Todd Martin 6–4 6–7 6–7
6–3 6–2 Australian Open 2000 bt. Yevgeny Kafelnikov 3–6 6–3 6–2 6–4 Australian Open 2001 bt. Arnaud Clément 6–4 6–2
6–2 Australian Open 2003 bt. Rainer Schüttler 6–2 6–2 6–1

Andre Agassi’s Grand Slam titles.

Agassi also reached seven other major finals. He lost two French Open finals, four US Open finals, and one Wimbledon final.

The American’s last Grand Slam final appearance was at the 2005 US Open, where he lost to Roger Federer in the final.