STOCKHOLM (AFP) - Andre Agassi will line up against the last home player to win the title when he faces final opponent Thomas Johansson in a battle of veterans Sunday at the 632,750-euro Stockholm Open.
Both the 34-year-old Agassi and Johansson, 29, who missed last season as he recovered from knee surgery, have it all to play for at the Kungligahallen.
Agassi is bidding for a 60th career trophy after reaching the title showdown when he defeated Germany's Tommy Haas 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/4).
Johansson, who won the 2002 Australian Open before losing out on the 2003 campaign due to his rehablitation, reached his second final of the season with a 6-3, 6-2 defeat of teenaged compatriot Michael Ryderstedt.
Johansson won the event at his home club in 2000. His only other final this season came on grass in Notthingham, where he lost to Thai Paradorn Srichaphan.
Agassi was forced to battle from the start of what was his third meeting with Haas in as many months.
However the American dug deep to post his third consecutive victory over the German, in the process improving on 37-12 for the season and moving closer to possible qualification for next month's Masters Cup.
"I was getting pushed back," said Agassi, who last played in Sweden ten years ago. "Tommy hits the ball really solid. If he controls the match, he pushing you back.
"I just tried to stay alive out there."
Agassi's win means he has improved his standing in the eight-man Masters Cup qualification sprint, standing eighth as the week began.
But with number seven Tim Henman going out in the Basel quarter-finals and needing to defend a title next week as the regular season wraps up in Paris, the scenario looks promising for Agassi.
"I feel pretty satisfied with my game," said Agassi.
"Today was played to a very high standard, our matches have gotten better every time we've played. I'm very happy with that.
"I'm here this week to try and make it to the Cup. I'm trying to focus my game. If I could get lucky and make it that would be great.
"I've got a lot of experience in trying to make that tournament in recent years. I'm really happy with the way that I'm hitting the ball, I'm optimistic."
Going on past statistics, Agassi's chances on Sunday could not be better. He has won all six of his past matches with Johansson dating back to 1998.
10/30/2004 - 17:08 GMT - AFP