BBC SPORT | Special Events | 2000 | Australian Open | Agassi claims seventh Grand Slam


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Sunday, 28 January, 2001, 05:02 GMT

Agassi claims seventh Grand Slam

Agassi: Australian Open Champion for the third time

Australian Open final: Andre Agassi beat Arnaud Clement 6-4 6-2 6-2

Andre Agassi retained the Australian Open title, beating Frenchman Arnaud Clement in straight sets to claim his seventh Grand Slam.

The defending champion never looked in trouble, playing some inspired baseline tennis on his way to a 6-4 6-2 6-2 victory.

The American became the first man since Jim Courier in 1993 to win back-to-back Australian titles when he completed the win in one hour 45 minutes.

You suddenly realise that all the hard work is worth it when you win the trophy

Andre Agassi

It was a fantastic tussle between two wonderful exponents of the baseline game, but Agassi proved he was the king of the groundstrokes to clinch his third Australian Open title.

The 30-year-old broke the Clement serve with the match just three games old, and after holding his own serve, he then broke again.

Clement, who looked jaded after his epic semi-final match with Sebastien Grosjean, then threatened a revival by breaking Agassi in the sixth before eventually losing the set 6-4.

Arnaud Clement: Beaten in three sets

Agassi, who was the sixth seed in the tournament, dominated the second set with his deep searching groundstrokes and penetrating first serve to take the set 6-2.

Clement, the first Frenchman to reach the final in Australia since Jean Borotra in 1928, then traded serves with Agassi at the start of the third set but quickly went behind again as Agassi wrapped up a comfortable victory.

The win makes Agassi the 10th most successful player in the history of men's tennis.

"This was truly a thrill and I will never forget this," Agassi said after completing his third victory over Clement in five meetings.

It has been the two most unbelievable weeks of my career

Arnaud Clement

"You never know when the last time you're going to be here is. And it never ceases to be overwhelming.

"If this is somehow the last one I ever manage to win, which hopefully is not the case, I can honestly say that I'm truly honoured and privileged.

"While you don't know if you ever can be as lucky to be up here winning again, one thing I will promise you is that I look forward to many years coming back working hard for you," he added.