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Andre Agassi recovers from losing the tiebreak in the first set to beat George Bastl on Wednesday

Also see the Daily Bruin's photo essay from Day 2 and 3 at the 2006 Countrywide Classic, as well as a video wrap from Agassi's match with Bastl. The Countrywide Classic at UCLA this week was supposed to be Andre Agassi’s swan song. Fans are taking every chance to snap a photo of the retiring American great, and give him standing ovations for nearly every great point he plays. The only thing everyone forgot on Wednesday was that Agassi actually had to play a match and win. With the sellout crowd of 7,021 buzzing in the Los Angeles Tennis Center, Agassi struggled in the first set against qualifier George Bastl, and lost 6-7 in a tiebreaker (4-7). He soon regained his rhythm, however, and soundly beat the Swiss native in the next two sets 6-2, 6-1. “The crowd made me a little nervous,” Agassi said jokingly. “But, honestly, it was great to just be out there playing great tennis again.” Agassi, who is 36 and clearly the fan favorite of the tournament, was having trouble keeping up with the aggressiveness of Bastl (a USC alumnus), who is 25, in the first set. Agassi fell behind 4-3, rebounded to break Bastl’s serve to give him a 5-4 lead, but lost the next two sets and lost the tiebreaker 7-6. “I had a little trouble getting used to (Bastl’s) game in the beginning,” said Agassi, who had never faced Bastl before. “But I got more comfortable as the match went on, and I was fine from there.” Agassi finished the match with an abundance of aces, and winners that are usually not the norm for the veteran known for his control of the baselines. But Agassi felt that with the aggressiveness Bastl was showing, he needed to change up his game. “I don’t think I have played like that in a long time,” Agassi said. “But I’m in good shape, and I’m feeling good, so I started playing more aggressive.” The move certainly paid off for Agassi, but now he moves on to face No. 3 seeded Fernando Gonzalez of Chile on Friday. Gonzalez advanced to the third round earlier on Wednesday by defeating Marat Safin of Russia 6-4, 6-2. Agassi certainly wasn’t looking forward to facing Gonzalez, but said he is up for the challenge. “He is a lot like Bastl in that he takes a lot of chances, and is aggressive,” Agassi said. “He certainly does not let you get in a rhythm.” If Wednesday was any indication, Agassi will certainly put on a good showing.

Wednesday’s Results: In other action on Wednesday, No. 1 seed Andy Roddick continued on his comeback trail by defeating Rik de Voest of South Africa 6-4, 6-4. American Paul Goldstein also advanced by defeating Igor Kunitsyn of Russia 6-4, 6-4. The final winner on Wednesday was German Tommy Haas, who defeated Paul Capdeville of Chile in three sets 6-3, 4-6, 6-1.

Thursday’s Singles Schedule: Noon: No. 7 seed Dominick Hrbaty v. Lars Burgsmuller 30 minutes following: (WC) Sam Querrey v. No. 8 Dmitry Tursunov 30 minutes following: No. 4 Robby Ginepri v. Kenneth Carlsen 7:30 p.m.: No. 1 Andy Roddick v. (WC) Scott Oudsem