Even before he humbled Ivan Lubicic to win the third consecutive title at the Dubai Open Tennis Championships here recently, the world’s No. 1 tennis player, Roger Federer, attained new heights.
The court for this special occasion was drawn on a 415 sq. mt. helipad, suspended at 211 meters from the ground at Burj Al-Arab, arguably one of the world’s most luxurious hotels.
At the end of the exhibition match, Federer could not contain his excitement. “It definitely was the most exciting tennis square anywhere in the world.”
Agassi was not to be left far behind. “I had a real strong sense that it was going to be a memorable moment for me when we were going up there because it is quite a special place,” he said.
Once aloft, the famous on-court rivalry faded away.
Baseline duels, serve and volley and chip and charge gave way to a boyish slinging contest. While Federer decided to hit the ball to the sea seen in the background, Agassi was content to hit it over the bridge that connects the hotel to the mainland.
Although wind is not a major factor at closed courts around the world these days, the big-serving Federer thought the wind on the “helicourt” was good enough for a normal match.
But it was Agassi who had the last laugh.
When asked who emerged winner of the friendly contest, Agassi came up with a reply reminiscent of his crosscourt passing shot.
“I was clearly the winner,” he said. “I had a big advantage because Roger is scared of heights.”
