Honestly, I'm not even that sad for that reason. He looked like he would never get his game back to this level last year, so at least he managed to make a final. The 2011 US Open semifinal is the one loss that I still can't stomach. Even 2008's Wimbledon loss didn't bother me as much.
Heartache for Fed fans is hard for me to understand as an Agassi fan. Your man has won 17 slams, the most of all time. I'm envious of all the GS wins Fed has had as an Agassi fan.
Fed had won 5 Wimbledon's in a row, including 2 straight wins over Nadal in the final before losing the epic in 08.
Fed won a heartbreaking match against Roddick in the 09 final.
Fed losing in 2011 US Open semi was something for sure, Djokovic's unreal return winner still amazes me.
But again Fed racked up a few wins over Djokovic in semis and finals before that.
It must stem from the fear of Nadal overtaking your guy, I suppose. Presuambly you wanted him to get to 18, anything to stay in front of Nadal. So from that standpoint, I get it.
But god damn, Fed has had an amazing career already.
Agassi? Don't get me started w/ all of his agonizing losses.
Up against Courier in the FO final, only to have the delay + Courier's coach changing tactics + Agassi losing in 5. ugh.
Or how about Wimbledon 2001 5 set loss against Rafter in the semis? Agassi up a double break in the 5th if not for an absolutely horrific missed call. Agassi would've taken Goran in the final that yr too.
Or try 2001 US Open QF against Sampras, best match I've ever seen until Fed/Nadal 08 Wimbledon. 4 sets, all tiebreaks, and Agassi loses by the skin of his teeth. Otherwise I think he takes the title that yr.
Or try 3 straight FO quarterfinals from 01-03. God damn I still remember Bill Clinton coming in after Agassi had won the first set 6-1 against Sebastian Grosjean. Somehow through Agassi off, was so weird. Gah.
Or how about the 5 set Agassi Fed match in the 04 US Open QF in the wind? I thought Agassi outplayed Fed that day, imo I still don't know how Fed won that match. Blargh.
Then you've got the 05 US Open final against Fed. 1 set a piece, Agassi up 4-2 in the 3rd set, then ends up losing the set + the 4th set.
Point being, Agassi fans have had far more heartache than Fed fans have had. Your guy has had an incredible run. He's going to go down as the best or 2nd best player ever.
I wish I had the kind of heartache Fed fans have had as an Agassi guy. 7 Wimbledons? And your 2 losses against a peak Nadal in 5 in 08 and a prime Novak in 5 in 14. Not too shabby.
This might come off like bitter tears as an Agassi guy. I loved watching his career though despite some of the tough losses. 8 slams, career slam, gold medal, davis cup win, some unbelievable wins too (Sampras 00 Aussie Open semis).