Agassi serves grand slam warning
MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) -- Andre Agassi pummelled Wimbledon champion Roger Federer 6-2 6-4 at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne on Thursday.
That performance installed him as the pre-tournament favorite of the fans and pundits to retain his Australian Open crown starting next Monday.
Federer is the bookmakers favorite for the first grand slam of the season, but Agassi's overwhelming win left few in doubt who was in the better form.
"Today we had a little less wind, it was pretty calm," Agassi told reporters after creating his own cyclone on centre court.
"I felt like I did a lot of things well today...I can take a lot from that. You know, you have to take your chances against Roger because he has such a feel for the game and has such great weapons.
"You can't hope for better preparation than this; to play the world's best players coming into the first grand slam of the year."
It took the American only 22 minutes to snatch the opening set under a bright Melbourne sun as world number two Federer struggled to contain the 33-year-old's pace.
Smashing his backhand all over the court, Agassi broke Federer to love in the first game of the second set and the Swiss walked back to his chair looking downtrodden and disillusioned.
The second set was a little closer but Agassi never looked like letting it escape from his grip.
"I have been pretty fortunate the way things have gone down here in the past," added Agassi. "Coming out here and winning these matches does a lot for your confidence."
Federer could only take his hat off to Agassi saying: "He is tough to play on any day. If you don't play good then it is not enough and that is what happened today.
"It is difficult to say if it (the result) was (down to) him or me...definitely a combination.
"I really have to go out on the practice courts because there are a few things I am not happy with.I have got a few days left, though, and I will use them."
Australian Open champion in 2002, Thomas Johansson's preparations took a knock when he was thrashed 6-4 6-2 by Sebastien Grosjean.
Swede Johansson, who missed nearly all of last year through injury, took a set off Federer on Wednesday but 24 hours later was disappointing against the French baseliner.
Robby Ginepri finished off play on day two, beating fellow American Taylor Dent 7-5 6-1.
