Feeling Like a Rookie, Agassi Wins Second Event in a Row

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

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.”

Agassi, who also won this event in 1993 and 1994, earned $45,000, while Stoltenberg got $26,000.