Andre Agassi's push to the top began last July at the Canadian Open when he was stuck at No. 20, an imposing 4,061 points behind leader Pete Sampras.

In those days, Agassi was viewed as a tennis novelty, a ponytailed showman who had only occasionally delivered on his promise. It was an image that was about to change drastically.

Agassi won that tournament, touching off a sensational stretch during which he won six more events in the next eight months, including two Grand Slams.