Agassi hails Federer as game's greatest

On a night when Andre Agassi was honoured at the US Open for his charity work, the retired eight-time Grand Slam champion hailed Roger Federer as the greatest player in tennis history.

Agassi said he was delighted to see the Swiss superstar join him in completing the career Grand Slam by capturing the French Open title in June and then win his career record 15th Slam singles title in July at Wimbledon.

"What he's done in separating himself from the game should be recognised," Agassi said. "The problem is it wasn't being recognised if he didn't win Paris. I thought once he did the discussion is over with.

"What started to become even more frustrating for Roger is him having to win the 15th to somehow conclude, so for him just to remove that as some sort of possible thorn I think is right."

It was 10 years ago on the red clay of Roland Garros when Agassi completed his career Slam by lifting the trophy in Paris, so he knew Federer's joy at having secured a victory in all four Grand Slam events.

"It was just a pleasure to watch," Agassi said. "It would have been a crime had he not ever won in Paris."

Federer had lost to Rafael Nadal in the French Open finals the past three years, missing a Grand Slam sweep in 2006 and 2007 as a result of the Paris loss each time, but finally broke through this year.