Extra motivation for Agassi in New York
Ossian Shine
One of the American flags retrieved from the rubble of the World Trade Center waved over the U.S. Open on Monday and Andre Agassi said later he planned to hold the Stars and Stripes high for the next two weeks.
"It's a big honour for me," twice champion Agassi said after opening the men's night session following a tribute to those killed in the September 11 attacks last year.
One of the two American flags recovered from the remains of the Twin Towers was carried into the stadium in an emotional scene amid members of the New York police and fire departments.
"When I got that call to go out there and open up the night session, it sent shivers up my spine. There's no other place I'd rather be," said Agassi after his 6-3 6-3 6-3 first-round victory over fellow American Robby Ginepri.
"Being in New York, it's pretty overwhelming for I think many people who come here now.
"I've always appreciated the heart and the spirit of New Yorkers. I think what they've lived through in the last year has been a clear reflection of that heart and of that spirit.
"To be here is a privilege. To add to it is truly an honour."
Agassi said he had watched some of the ceremony -- labelled "Salute of Heroes" -- in the locker room before his match.
"I saw it through a very muted TV in the locker room. It was touching. How are you not affected?" he asked after coming off court.
"How are you not reminded of all the reasons we fight so hard for freedom? It's pretty emotional every time you give a sort of ceremony that honours everything we stand for."
Agassi said that this year there was extra motivation to win the title.
"I think it's an added motivation being here," he said. "There's a lot of inspiration in the hearts and minds of everybody that's in this city.
"After seeing what happened here a year ago, it makes it quite easy to go out there and lay your heart on the line."
Those killed in the attacks, as well as the uniformed and civilian heroes who assisted in helping New York deal with the tragedy, were honoured as part of the ceremony.
In addition, crooner Tony Bennett sang "God Bless America" while singer Queen Latifah performed the national anthem.
