Agassi praises his Australian coach

Andre Agassi says his coach of two years, former Australian player Darren Cahill, is a mentor for all ages.

"He's coached the youngest No.1 in the world and he's coached the oldest No.1 in the world," Agassi said after his fourth-round win over Paradorn Srichaphan.

"Those stats are hard to argue with."

Cahill coached Lleyton Hewitt, who was the tour's youngest year-end No.1 at the age of 20 years, eight months in 2001.

The oldest No.1 since computer rankings were introduced is Agassi, who reached the top ranking last May at the age of 33 and held that position for 14 weeks.

"Darren has made an incredible difference to my game," said Agassi, now ranked fourth. "He constantly helps me improve by always being aware of the subtleties that make my game tick."

Hewitt came up in conversation between Agassi and on-court commentator John McEnroe after Agassi's win.

Noting that Hewitt and Kim Clijsters were engaged to be married, McEnroe asked Agassi for an assessment of a future match-up between his children with Steffi Graf - Jaden Gil and Jaz Elle - with any of Hewitt's and Clijsters' kids.

"If my son or daughter were to lose that match, 20 years from now, I'll be waiting for (the winner) in the finals or the next round," said Agassi. "I'll still be here."