He lost yesterday. Finally, it's over.

One of the greatest careers tennis has seen finally came to an end. The Golden Generation of American tennis is now finally done. The last, lone flag-bearer has hung up his boots. Jim, Micheal and Pete were done early. André took his time. More than the end of a career though, the US Open loss to German qualifier Benjamin Becker marked the end of the association between tennis fans around the world and their favourite player on tour.

Ever seen a drop-shot that won a point booed vociforously by the crowd? That's what happened to Becker as he proceeded to test and conquer André's devastated back. That's the impact Agassi has on the crowds. They don't come to watch a tennis match, they come to watch André play. And they will never be able to do it again.

Yet, I do not want to eulogize. A number of people seem to be inclined to do that and having written the last few lines I realised I was fallign into the trap. It's easy to mourn the passing of greatness. However, the greatness that is Agassi has not passed.

Agassi remains a massive influence on the tennis world. He changed the game, the rules and the attitude. He changed perceptions, ideas and norms. His meticulous preparation, his physical conditioning, his attention to detail, his balance between power, precision and tactics, his never-say-die-attitude and his mental toughness will be emulated by young, aspiring tennis players the world over. They may never be able to be Pete or Roger, but if they work hard enough they can be André.

That is another secret of the success of Agassi, and his mass appeal. In him, we see ourselves; if only we worked hard enough. We may not be as gifted as a Sampras or a Federer but, if we're as determined as an Agassi, we'll manage just fine, thank you.

He also provides us with inspiration away from tennis. Here is a man who transformed himself in the course of a professional tennis career. Most people can't fix their serves or learn to play on grass. Agassi changed everything about himself. The long-haired, mascara-wearing, angry young man morphed into the sagacious, pleasant and insightful champion who lost graciously, won with honour and carried himself with grace on or off the court. The 'Image is Everything' rebel turned into the All-Substance traditionalist. He gives us hope.

Agassi, his career and his life, make people believe that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough. You can have success, money, fame, the woman of your dreams and the family you love all while doing the job you love. You can reinvent yourself, find the true path and be at peace with yourself. You can be perfect. That is what Agassi did for everyone who saw him live his life.

Thank you, André, for allowing us to dream.

André fans, admirers and worshippers, read this article on Sports Illustrated.