Andre Agassi became the oldest player to top the world rankings after crushing Jurgen Melzer to reach the final of the US Clay Court Championships on Saturday.

The 32-year-old Agassi continued the form that has brought him 22 victories in 23 matches this year, overwhelming Austrian Melzer 6-4, 6-1 to set up a final clash with fellow American Andy Roddick.

"I don't think that I can quite find the words," Agassi said. "It's an amazing feeling because it's the result of a lot of hard work and a lot of determination, and a lot of decision making, a lot of success in many different arenas against many different opponents.

"It's a bit overwhelming to have it all come together at one moment."

Agassi, winner of eight Grand Slam titles, first topped the rankings in 1995.

He replaces Australian Lleyton Hewitt as the world's top-ranked player, a position he last held in September 2000.

"It starts to sink in earlier and earlier the older you get, you are sort of more aware of the fewer opportunities, you're surely more appreciative of the accomplishments," Agassi said.

Agassi, the 1992 Wimbledon champion, slumped to No 141 in the rankings in 1997 following a dramatic slump in form but recovered to climb to number six by the end of 1998.

He won the 1999 French and US Open titles, becoming only the fifth man in history to win the Grand Slam when he triumphed at Roland Garros, and has been Australian Open champion three times in the past four years.

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What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 5 Sub: The Greatest All Court Player To me he is the greatest player of all times.There has never been a Tennis player whose career i have followed and admired.His career Grand ... Posted by Ragesh Sub: Agassi Deserves it Hi, Agassi Really deserves this ,bcoz of his ability to Fight Back at all times.Its is really great achivement (very few people can do this ... Posted by Srinivasa Rao gogineni Sub: ''He is worth it'' ! Andre Agassi really is worth a thousand titles by now.He`s got the class in his game.He tackles his opponents not only efficiently but also brilliantly.Though ... Posted by Ms.Madhu Kalaimannan Sub: Agassi the Great Agassi is a great fighter. He is in great form even at the age of 33.It is a great experience watching him play the game. ... Posted by Kulasekhar Ramesh Sub: The all time best There shall be no more argument about who is the best sampras or agassi? Samp hasn't won the toughest grand slam not even make its ... Posted by gowri shenbaga raman.l