Now, almost 20 years later, the old warrior and the young, left-handed gun clash in a match which Nadal hopes will boost his grass court credentials while Agassi, the 1992 champion, dreams of a third final in his last All England Club appearance.

At 36, Agassi, will quit after the US Open with 60 career titles to his name including eight Grand Slams.

At 20, Nadal, has one of the brightest futures in the game and has already collected two French Opens amongst his 17-championship haul.

The veteran American knows it won't be easy in Saturday's third round assignment.

"Nadal has great speed. The way he moves around the court, he's always playing within the high margins because he can cover so much ground," said Agassi.

"He's very aggressive because he doesn't have to end the point. If you get one away he's going to chase it down. That movement is probably his greatest asset.

"Also his mind, his concentration, his determination, that's a big weapon too."

Agassi has the greater grass court pedigree while Nadal, bred on clay courts, is still coming to terms with its peculiar demands.

He was almost caught out by American journeyman Robert Kendrick in the second round when he had to recover from a two-set deficit to stay on track.

But Agassi is aware of the danger posed by the muscle-bound Spaniard.

"He's 20-years-old and he has the time to figure out the grass. The fact that he's called this tournament the one he wants to win just speaks volumes for his mindset."

The two have clashed just once before with Nadal winning their final at the Montreal Masters last year in three sets.

But that was on hard courts which, Agassi insists, will have little relevance to Saturday's outcome.

Nadal admits he was too young to remember Agassi in his prime.

"I saw him a lot of times when I was kid on TV," said the Spaniard.

"But I never had an idol. I only watched me."