Fans, players cheer Agassi as he exits tennis

NEW YORK, Sep 3 (Reuters) Tennis has lost its most cherished showman after Andre Agassi, tears in his eyes and his voice trembling with emotion, bowed out at the US Open today.

A capacity crowd stood and cheered during match point of his 7-5 6-7 6-4 7-5 defeat to German qualifier Benjamin Becker in the third round.

While Agassi is undoubtedly the most popular player of his generation with the fans, he is also highly regarded by his fellow players and they gave him a retirement send-off straight from the heart.

''When I went into the locker room afterwards, they all were standing and applauding me,'' said the 36-year-old. ''The greatest applause that any person will ever receive in their life is that which comes from their peers.

''It's not like we're a company working together to accomplish something... To have them applaud you is the ultimate compliment.'' Fans have loved Agassi's laser-like groundstrokes over the last two decades but it was his personality -- his panache -- that had legions of admirers rooting for the racket-wielding magician from Las Vegas.

''We all owe a little debt of gratitude for what he's done for the sport because he's transcended the sport to become an international superstar, more so than any other tennis player over the last 20 years,'' said America's top player James Blake.

''That's helped the exposure, and we all appreciate that.'' BIG IMPRESSION Agassi emerged on the tour 21 years ago with big hair, a big forehand and a chip on his shoulder.

He did things his own way, whether that meant skipping Wimbledon for several years because of its strict dress code or not playing a match in Davis Cup play because the tie had already been decided.

But Agassi mellowed over the last decade, realizing his coveted spot in tennis history and his obligation to civic causes.

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