Andre Agassi claimed his sixth and last Miami Open title in 2003, 13 years after lifting it for the first time! The American took down Carlos Moya in the title clash to extend his incredible run at the home event. Andre won the first edition of the Miami Masters in 1990, dominating in the following years and earning the most victories in Florida. Agassi went all the way for the last time in 2003, claiming his 16th Masters 1000 title a couple of weeks before his 33rd birthday. The top seeds, Lleyton Hewitt and Marat Safin, lost in the first match. Juan Carlos Ferrero and Andy Roddick followed them and left the event before the quarter-final, leaving Agassi, Roger Federer and Carlos Moya in the last eight.
Albert Costa prevailed over Federer after a marathon, while Moya toppled Robby Ginepri in the deciding tie break to reach the semi-final. Agassi and Moya scored dominant triumphs in the last four to advance into the title clash. The American and the Spaniard met for the third time, and the more experienced player earned a 6-3, 6-3 victory in 71 minutes for his sixth Miami Open title. Carlos took only 15 points in nine return games and wasted all three break chances. On the other hand, Andre used his opponent’s low first-serve percentage. He stole 45% of the return points and clinched three breaks from six opportunities to cross the finish line in no time and lift the third straight trophy in Florida.
Andre Agassi claimed his sixth Miami Open title in 2003, beating Carlos Moya.
The American had 25 winners and 13 unforced errors. He outplayed Moya in the shortest range up to four strokes thanks to 23 service winners and performed a bit better in the more extended exchanges to race over the finish line in style. The home favorite landed a backhand winner to close the opening game at love. Agassi wasted break opportunities in the second game and fended off one of his own with a forehand winner in the third to bring it home after a couple of deuces. Flying over the court, Agassi grabbed a break at 15 in game four with a winner at the net. He served well and took the opener 6-3 after three winners in game nine.
The servers lost just six points in the second set’s opening six games, with Moya staying in touch and hoping for some chances on the return. Instead, Andre broke him at love with a backhand crosscourt winner to move 4-3 up before facing two break points in the next one after Carlos’ backhand down the line winner. Agassi stayed calm and fired four winners to get out of jail and move 5-3 in front. Moya served to stay in the match in game nine when Agassi grabbed a break at love to celebrate the title and his 21st victory from the previous 22 encounters in Florida.
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