From the PacLife Open: Agassi shows some of everything

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Originally uploaded by robynw.

In Sunday's match against Paul Goldstein, fans got to see a side of Andre Agassi that doesn't show up too often - from swearing, to racquet-tossing to a hissy fit about what he defined as "rain".

Let's begin with the fact that Agassi was by far the main draw for the crowds of the day - Goldstein didn't have a chance of getting the crowd support, as Stadium 1 was nearly full with Agassi supporters. You could tell in the first set that he wasn't quite on his game.

Then, a very light sprinkling of rain started around the time Goldstein began to gain and hold momentum - and by rain, I mean that nobody took out their umbrella and it was far, far less then what we saw on Saturday during Dementieva's match. So, Goldstein slips in the back court, and Agassi starts yelling about how he wants to stop play and that Goldstein almost got hurt. Arguments ensue, Goldstein doesn't want to decide either way, and they finally sit down for a few minutes.

Thr crowd booed when play stopped, and here's why I think that happened - first, Goldstein needs to talk to Nike and get some better shoes. That guy was sliding all over the court when it was sunny out. Even before he fell, we were commenting on how his show skids were visible all over the court. Second, it was barely raining - those of us who have lived in Seattle certainly wouldn't even notice it. While it is understandable that Agassi would be concerned about injury, and that he should speak up when that is an issue, it seemed as though he was taking advantage of a situation to get a break. Third, Goldstein didn't back him up on court - he wouldn't say the conditions sucked or that he thought they were dangerous. While he does have the motive of keeping his momentum going, you'd think the man that just took a fall would be more likely to agree. Agassi pressured him hard to stop. Fourth, they started playing after a few minutes and the weather conditions had not changed a bit. Fifth, the crowd was sick of rain delays. Part of me wonders what would have happened had this not been Andre Agassi. :)

Earlier Agassi swore and smashed his racquet, which was quite entertaining. He later gave it to a woman in the seats behind him.

Photos of weather argument.