Richard Gasquet prefers a neat and tidy haircut and traditional tennis garb to dyed-blond locks and lurid lycra outfits, but still Andre Agassi sees a little of his teenage self in the French youngster.
The world number two had just turned professional in 1986 when Gasquet was born in the French town of Beziers to tennis coach parents Francis and Maryse.
He was fast making a name for himself with his brash attitude and bold tennis while the schoolboy Gasquet monitored his progress on television.
Seven grand slam titles and more than $25 million of prize money later, the pair collided on a tennis court at the Kooyong Classic Australian Open warm-up event.
The clash -- a 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 win for Agassi -- provided fireworks and food for thought for both men.
"I was always the sort of player who preferred to take control...to miss the shot rather than play safe -- I got the same feeling from Richard today," Agassi smiled ruefully after their entertaining match.
"For a long time I think we will see him getting better each day he steps on to court."
Gasquet left the court tired, ragged but with an enormous smile plastered across his face.
BREATHTAKING SPELL
"I could have lost in two little sets," he grinned, "It was close to
"He was hitting very strong, very consistent and it was very hard for me to protect or cover my court."
Hard but not impossible as Gasquet punched back from a set and 4-1 down to squeeze the contest into a third set.
Aided mostly by a backhand that should carry a health warning, the teenager rocked Agassi on his heels during a breathtaking spell.
"He has a lot of game," Agassi said. "Pointed in the right direction he can accomplish some great things.
"He will get bigger, stronger...learn his strengths. When he figures that out he will figure out what to do to someone else."
For now, Gasquet is pleased with what he achieved against one of the best-known characters in world sport.
"For sure that is the toughest or biggest match of my life. I played (Marat) Safin before but Agassi is the biggest," the French youngster said.
"It was the most nervous I have been before a match and I was very pleased with the way I was able to cope with everything.
"Afterwards he said to me 'good luck for the Australian Open'.
"Well I won against Younes El Aynaoui yesterday and won a set today...I am confident for the Australian Open."
Gasquet has been awarded a wildcard into the first grand slam of the year beginning on Monday.
