Not being a huge tennis fan, I’m probably not the best person to talk about the career of Andre Agassi. And I’m not going to talk to you about his place in history with Sampras, McEnroe, Connors, Lendl, et al. But it’s been a pretty unique experience to watch the arc of his career; from rebellious young guy to elder statesman, universally respected throughout tennis.

It’s difficult to find anything to dislike about him, and unlike most guys, it’s not because he was ever afraid to share himself. When he was young and cocky, you saw young and cocky. When he was older and more mature, you saw an introspective and thoughtful guy. And yesterday, when his career came to an end, he didn’t hide his tears. They were right there for you to observe and perhaps share. Most athletes aren’t going to give you that, so I’m grateful that I got to follow the career of a guy who did.

He just strikes me as a genuinely good guy. Thoughtful, caring, very self-aware, and with a huge heart. And certainly none of the people quoted (locker room attendant, daycare worker, his racket stringer, etc) in this SI.com piece by Richard Deitsch do anything to take away from that belief.

Enjoy retirement, Andre.