Agassi Beats Stoltenberg For Second Straight Tourney Title

Mon., March 9, 1998

Compiled From Wire Services

Andre Agassi won his second straight tournament title Sunday, defeating Jason Stoltenberg 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) in the finals of the Franklin Templeton Tennis Classic in Scottsdale, Ariz.

To combat Stoltenberg’s strong serve-and-volley game, Agassi pounded his shots into the corners, keeping the Australian on the defense.

With Stoltenberg leading 6-5 in the second set, Agassi reached a crosscourt backhand and sent the ball back to Stoltenberg’s feet.

Agassi then served up his only ace of the match to even the set 6-6.

In the tiebreaker, Agassi jammed Stoltenberg on three straight serves before Stoltenberg hit the final shot wide.

Agassi, 10-0 in the United States and an ATP Tour-leading 16-2 this year, only dropped one set during the tournament.

“I feel like a rookie all over again,” said Agassi. “After all the hard work and tough times over the last year, now I’m holding this trophy and feeling like a million bucks.”

Dutchman Jan Siemerink earned the third ATP singles title of his career, beating Sweden’s Thomas Johansson 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 in the finals of the ABN AMRO indoor tournament in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

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Agassi Beats Stoltenberg For Second Straight Tourney Title

Jesse Tinsley

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Rob Curley

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