When Andre Agassi made his French Open debut as a raw 17-year-old in 1987, Rafael Nadal, the favourite for this year's title, had only just learnt to walk. Agassi, now 35, knows what it's like to win on the slow red clay courts with his 1999 victory giving him the honour of becoming just the fifth man in history to win all four Grand Slams. But despite a Nadal-inspired host of hungry teenagers keen for a scalp, the American is not about to call it a day - not when there is the tantalising prospect of becoming the oldest man ever to win the French Open on offer.
"I'm striking the ball as well as I have ever done," said the holder of 59 career titles.
"I have nothing to complain about and I am as excited about competing here as I have ever been. I want it to come round quickly."
This will be Agassi's 17th Roland Garros and in that debut appearance in 1987, he made it to the second round beating the long forgotten Peruvian Pablo Arraya in his opener.
Since then he has been champion, runner-up twice, twice a semi-finalist and a quarter-finalist four times.
But last year's visit was an unmitigated disaster losing in the first round to France's Jerome Haehnel, ranked 284 in the world at the time.
"After Miami last year, I didn't play the clay court season at all to save myself for here, but it wasn't to be. I couldn't keep three balls in court. Clay exposes you, you have to play a lot of balls," said Agassi who warmed up for Roland Garros this year with a semi-final run at the Rome Masters.
"There was a lot of pain for me here last year.
"But this year I am taking a different approach. I'm throwing myself in the fire, working hard and everything suggests that I am playing considerably better."
The clock may be ticking against Agassi, but he said he is thrilled to see exciting talents like world number one Roger Federer and Nadal taking such a flamboyant grip on the sport.
"He moves great and is very versatile," said the American in praise of the 18-year-old Spaniard who, after two injury-hit seasons, is making his first appearance at Roland Garros.
"He's got a great forehand and plays in all directions from all over the court. He has one of the best competitive spirits I have ever seen and that speaks well of his potential."
Agassi predicted that the likes of Nadal, and the equally dashing Richard Gasquet of France, point to a golden future for men's tennis.
"The likes of Nadal are pushing the game forward," he said.
"He knows how to play on clay and in a way that others haven't done yet. I think that over the next five years, you will see a lot of titles decided by guys like these."
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