Through Melzer’s Eyes: Agassi’s ‘Historic’ Journey Back to No. 1 in 2003
In an exclusive interview with ATPTour.com, Melzer recalls his pivotal match against Agassi in the Houston semifinals.
April 01, 2026
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At 33 years old, Andre Agassi made history by becoming the oldest World No. 1, following his semifinal victory at the Houston tournament in 2003.
By Jerome Coombe
At the age of 33, Andre Agassi delivered an unforgettable performance at the 2003 Houston tournament, solidifying yet another double triumph in his illustrious career.
With a decisive 6-4, 6-1 win over 21-year-old Jurgen Melzer during the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship semifinals, Agassi reclaimed the coveted World No. 1 position. This victory also made him, at that moment, the oldest competitor ever to lead the PIF ATP Rankings. While Agassi wrote another remarkable chapter in his career, Melzer experienced a significant moment in tennis history firsthand.
“I knew what was on the line as we entered that match,” Melzer shared with ATPTour.com, reflecting on their 2003 showdown. “If he triumphed, he would become the oldest No. 1. It was a hot topic in the locker room and during the press conferences.”
“When we shook hands after the match, I congratulated him on achieving that milestone and mentioned, ‘If I had to lose, I’m glad it was to you.’ I felt honored to be part of such history.”
However, the significance of that week extended far beyond the records. Agassi maintained an uncompromising level of skill on clay, a surface that was not typically seen as his strongest. From the very first rallies, Melzer found himself facing an intensity that left little time for preparation—he had to respond immediately against one of the sport’s cleanest ball strikers.
“Facing someone like Andre for the first time is daunting,” Melzer explained. “As we warmed up, he was just smashing balls. I quickly learned that I needed to be ready right before the match; you don’t get into a rhythm with him.”
“He fires those rockets at you from the start, which is intimidating, but I took the lesson for our future matches.”
For Melzer, still carving out his path in the tennis world, this experience became a vital lesson in meeting a player who consistently performed at the No. 1 level. Agassi had secured his eighth and last major title earlier that same season at the Australian Open, reinforcing his elite status, while Melzer was just beginning to make his presence felt on the ATP Tour.
Despite having achieved a notable victory against World No. 2 Tommy Haas in Vienna the prior year and showing promise in Houston, the match underscored the gap created by Agassi’s impeccable timing, anticipation, and relentless pressure on the baseline once he hit his stride.
“After I secured my quarter-final win, facing him felt surreal. As a kid, you dream of playing against legends like that, but nerves set in because of his name,” Melzer reflected. “At 21, it was an unforgettable experience. Even though it was tough to lose, seeing someone at 33 so close to reclaiming No. 1 showed that age doesn’t define skill level when you’re at the top of your game.”
This initial experience would be pivotal for Melzer, who drew from it as his game continued to evolve. With growing confidence, the Austrian began to convert these lessons into tangible results, ultimately turning the rivalry in his favor against one of tennis’s greats.
Melzer defeated Agassi in their next two encounters, in Toronto in 2004 and then in San Jose in 2005, concluding his career with a 2-1 head-to-head record against the American. Those victories formed part of his rise to a career-high No. 8 in the PIF ATP Rankings by 2011.
“Both matches were among my best performances that year,” Melzer said. “I felt at ease, unpressured by his pace. I had a solid game plan, and it worked perfectly on both occasions. It requires a standout day to pull it off, but I was fortunate enough to achieve that.”
“Even though Agassi still had his formidable aura, I wasn’t intimidated anymore… Being among the few with a positive record against him is something I take great pride in. Those matches are cherished memories.”
Yet, even as familiarity diminished the intimidation factor, the unique atmosphere that accompanied Agassi never faded. For Melzer, their meeting in Houston remained special, not only due to the stakes involved but because he was up against a childhood idol he had long admired in Austria.
Agassi’s remarkable return to No. 1 in Houston was a testament to his enduring prowess at the pinnacle of the sport. Having first ascended to World No. 1 in 1995, he completed a full-circle moment eight years later by reclaiming the top position, becoming the oldest player to achieve this feat at that time.
By the end of his illustrious career, Agassi had spent a remarkable 101 weeks ranked No. 1, underscoring his peak performance and ability to adapt, maintaining his status among the elite across different eras—true hallmarks of a No. 1 Club legend.
For Melzer, it was a week that not only offered a rare insight into the pinnacle of the sport but also secured his own place in its history, reiterating the high standards required to reach—and return to—the elusive World No. 1 position.
