Agassi No Longer Cusses Clay

When Andre Agassi first played on European red clay here in 1987 he simply wanted to get back on a plane and go home. "I'd play four good shots but lose the point. It was very frustrating."

Yesterday, as he defeated Spain's Albert Costa 6-2, 6-2 to reach the semi-final of the Italian Open, the 32-year-old American appeared at total ease with this demanding surface. "Most of the time I still have to endure it," he said, adding with a smile: "But I've the potential to love it."

Love it Agassi most surely did in 1999 when he won the French Open to become only the fifth player to take all four grand slam titles. It was the pinnacle of his extraordinary career and, given his form at the Foro Italico this week, many are beginning to believe that he may lift the title at Roland Garros for a second time next month.

But first things first. Victories today and tomorrow and the Italian title, which along with Monte Carlo is the most important clay court event outside the French Open, would be his - and this 13 years after he missed a championship point here against Argentina's Alberto Mancini in the days when the American's hair was long and his patience short. "To win now would make me pretty proud."

Barring the way today is the Czech Jiri Novak, who in his quarter-final defeated the promising young American James Blake - who missed three match points - 3-6, 7-6, 6-4. Blake, a beautifully balanced right-hander, and Andy Roddick, who defeated the Spaniard Tommy Robredo 6-4, 7-6 and will play Tommy Haas in his semi-final, are the leading candidates to take over from Agassi and Pete Sampras and lead American tennis into a new era.

"Not only are they both talented but they are great to watch," said Agassi. But he is far from finished yet.