Agassi, guesting for Freedoms, content in retirement

In retirement, a star athlete usually misses the competition and lifestyle and itches for a comeback. Not Agassi.

"No," the 39-year-old Agassi said quickly when asked whether he missed playing. "I'm pretty content with where I am in my life. The truth is, [tennis] gave me a lot, but it also took a lot. What I do miss most about the game are the people. But as far as the game goes, it came with a lot of dramas - physical, mental, emotional."

Last night, Agassi made the first of two World TeamTennis appearances as a member of the Freedoms (3-4) in front of a capacity crowd at the 3,000-seat makeshift stadium in the King of Prussia Mall parking lot against the Boston Lobsters (3-3). The future Hall of Famer played men's singles and doubles, and mixed doubles sets in the Freedoms' 23-15 loss.

Agassi was all smiles when he was introduced. He received a loud ovation from the crowd and reciprocated with his trademark air kisses to the fans. It was Agassi's first match as a Freedom and his first in WTT since 2004, when he suited up for Sacramento.

Playing doubles was a rarity for Agassi during his career. He compiled a 40-42 record, won one title, and only reached No. 123 in the rankings with a partner - almost all of it early in his career. But you wouldn't have known that last night.

Agassi teamed with Nathan Healey to defeat James Auckland and Jan-Michael Gambill, 5-4. In singles, he could not ride the momentum and fell to Gambill, 5-2.

He partnered with Wayne's Lisa Raymond against Auckland and Raquel Kops-Jones. The Philly duo won, 5-3.

"It was amazing," Raymond said of playing with Agassi. "I was nervous from the first point to the last point."

At halftime, Agassi took the microphone and auctioned off an autographed jersey and racket - one he said he had used during his career - for $5,000. All the proceeds went to Abington Health.

Agassi still keeps a close eye on the sport he loves.

"I think Andy Roddick took a big step in the right direction," he said of the American's runner-up finish to Roger Federer at Wimbledon. "That competitive champion from America is something we've come to not just want but something we expect. There were a lot of Americans who went over to see the match, and to see how many people were pulling for [Roddick], it was great to see that kind of enthusiasm."

Contact staff writer Jorge Castillo at 215-854-2928 or jcastillo@phillynews.com.