The season-ending tournament was still hosted in Houston in 2003, and Federer was seeded third at the event. He faced Agassi, who was seeded fifth, in his opening round robin match. The then 33-year old American was the reigning Australian Open champion and had just lost his World No.1 ranking after the US Open.

In a thrilling encounter that featured some of the cleanest ball-striking ever witnessed, both men fought till the end. Although Agassi was able to escape with the first set, he eventually fell to Federer's aggressive tactics. The Swiss triumphed with a 6-7(2) 6-3 7-6(7) victory.

Federer would go on to win the tournament, defeating Agassi again in the final. The Swiss would end the year ranked at World No.2, with Agassi at No.4.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CFyQeeh90w[/embed]