Agassi not sure what to expect in final Grand Slam

~ The 2005 U.S. Open finalist has played only 15 matches this year and has an 8-7 record.

NEW YORK -- Beneath the stands of Arthur Ashe Stadium, 5-foot-tall posters of U.S. Open champions decorate the otherwise spartan hallways leading to the door Andre Agassi will step through to reach center court for the final time.

There, on a wall between photos of Pete Sampras and Andy Roddick, is a shot of Agassi from his 1994 triumph. His blond hair is long, his face is unshaven and his accessories include a pinkie ring, a dangling earring and a chain necklace, all gold. The outfit says "rebel," and that was certainly his reputation for the first decade of his career.

The Agassi who will play in his last U.S. Open -- indeed, his last tournament -- looks quite different. And his reputation has changed as much as his appearance.

"This has been the stage to sort of prove myself over the years. It started with lack of acceptance and has grown to a wonderful embracement, and on both parts. I think I started off a little unsure about playing here, and I grew into loving this more than any place in the world," Agassi said. "This stadium has its electricity and its feel because of every fan that's sitting out there. So I look forward to sharing one more go-round."

He leaves the game as an elder statesman, not merely because he's 36, but also because of his success on the court and his demeanor and extensive charity work off it. Through the ups and downs of his professional life (career Grand Slam, No. 1 in 1995, No. 141 in 1997, back to No. 1 in 1999), he's been one of tennis' most dynamic and popular players.

Which is why, even though there are a myriad of intriguing plot lines to follow when play begins Monday at Flushing Meadows -- Can Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal meet in a third consecutive Grand Slam final? Will Roddick thrive with new coach Jimmy Connors? Can Maria Sharapova win a second major title? Will Serena Williams shake off the rust of a six-month layoff? How will instant replay's Grand Slam debut go? -- all eyes will be on Agassi.

Hardly anyone expects the unseeded Agassi and his troublesome back to leave New York with a Grand Slam title to add to the eight he already owns.

"I don't know what to expect," he said. "That's the part of it that's pretty hard to get my arms around."

He needs cortisone injections to deal with the pain and allow freedom of movement. He has played rarely.

Agassi reached the 2005 U.S. Open final in what might very well turn out to have been his last hurrah. Since, he has taken off months at a time. He's played only 15 matches, winning eight.