Defending champion Andre
Agassi lifted his third Australian Open title today, ruthlessly brushing aside Frenchman Arnaud Clement 6-4 6-2 6-2 to confirm his place among the greats of tennis.
The sixth seed dominated a one-sided men's singles final to claim his seventh grand slam crown and snuff out Clement's bid for French tennis glory.
The one hour 45 minute victory on a hot Melbourne Park centre court was the first time Agassi has successfully defended a grand slam title.
The American blew a kiss to his girlfriend, former women's champion Steffi Graf, and waved to coach Brad Gilbert in the stands after blasting a backhand winner on the final point.
"This is truly a thrill and I will never forget this," said Agassi, who joins the likes of John McEnroe, John Newcombe and Rene Lacoste as a winner of seven grand slam titles.
Agassi, who also captured the Australian title in 1995, picked up a winner's cheque of A$830,500 (US$448,470) to add to his career earnings of US$21.14 million.
Reuters