Agassi Digs Himself Out of a Hole in French Fightback

Andre Agassi hit back from two sets down yesterday, as he had done so famously in the final four years ago, to reach the last 32 of the French Open. After falling into a deep hole against the big-serving Mario Ancic, he dug himself out to win 5-7, 1-6, 6-4, 6-2, 7-5.

"I think that everybody has a gas tank and you want to keep it for the most important times," said Agassi. "But you never know when the most important times are going to be. This was one of those days. I got myself into a hole but to have that excitement from the crowd felt great. Today was a great day."

The 19-year-old Ancic first came to prominence at Wimbledon last year when he knocked out Roger Federer in the first round in straight sets. Here was a younger version of Goran Ivanisevic, with a thumping serve that destroyed the Swiss No7 seed. He further underlined his potential when he reached the last 16 of the Australian Open in January.

But his form has dipped and he entered Roland Garros struggling to scratch together any sort of victory. In his first-round match he led Marcelo Rios 6-1, 1-0 before the Chilean, a former world No1, retired with an arm injury.

The possibility of the Croatian defeating Agassi appeared reasonably remote, but a hush quickly fell over Court Suzanne Lenglen as he established a 3-1 lead. Agassi appeared tense, rushing his shots, struggling against the power and accuracy of Ancic's serve and the fierceness of his forehand.

Those who had settled down to enjoy an Agassi-fest began to stir uncomfortably, although the smiles returned when the American began to find his range and at 5-4 served for the first set. This was more like it.

But Ancic was not about to let a good start slip away. He immediately snapped back and then charged through the second set at a gallop. The possibility that Agassi might be blown away in straight sets was suddenly a clear and present danger. On this occasion it really did appear that age had finally caught up with him.

Only four times had Agassi previously won a five-set match after losing the opening two sets. The pair twice exchanged breaks at the beginning of the third when Agassi was a point away from 4-2 down. He beat his racket against his hand as if unable to believe that his shots could be so wayward.

But the winners that had flowed from Ancic's racket suddenly dried up. Imperceptibly at first, and then with a mighty rush, Agassi began to take control. By the last set Ancic had the red-clay stains of battle all over his shirt and shorts, having fallen flat attempting to chase down one of Agassi's numerous precision passes.

But there was more drama; serving for the match at 5-3 Agassi double-faulted three times. It was an extraordinary lapse which allowed Ancic to level at 5-5 and gather fresh hope. But Agassi was not to be denied.