Pete Sampras defeats Andre Agassi in 2011 BNP Paribas Showdown

It was an electrifying night of tennis on Monday night at Madison Square Garden as four tennis legends played two matches in front of a packed house. First, 1980’s rivals John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl faced each other in an 8-game pro set, with McEnroe withdrawing while leading 6-3 after being hampered by an ankle injury he had sustained during practice earlier in the day. The marquee matchup pitted 1990’s rivals Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras against each other, with Sampras winning in two straight sets. As in previous years, the play was quite competitive, and I look forward to finding out who next year’s players will be! Photos by Avi Gerver, ©Madison Square Garden, L.P.

Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi at the morning press conference:

John McEnroe tapes a television segment at the press conference:

McEnroe practices with Pete Sampras in the afternoon. McEnroe hurt his ankle at the end of the practice session, which later forced him to withdraw from his 8-game pro set with Ivan Lendl while leading 6-3.

Ivan Lendl serves against John McEnroe in the first match:

Ivan Lendl:

John McEnroe plays through the pain in his left ankle:

McEnroe receives treatment on his ankle in between games:

Always full of surprises, McEnroe reveals his 80’s era short tennis shorts during the post-match interview:

Andre Agassi:

Pete Sampras:

Agassi congratulates Sampras on his victory:

Agassi and Sampras at the post-match press conference: