Whether the reasons fans packed the Siegel Center were altruistic or not, the players certainly had charity as their mission.  During an afternoon courtside photo session, Agassi frequently talked about working "for the greater good."  Blake commented that he hoped his participation "helped some of [the clinic attendees] with their dreams." 

During their visit to Richmond, the four players also participated in a  ground-breaking ceremony for the new Mary & Frances Youth Center on the VCU Campus. The center, funded by a $1.5 million dollar gift by Genworth CEO Michael Fraizer and his wife Elizabeth,  will be the new home to Lobs & Lessons, an after-school mentoring program for at-risk youth.  The center is named in honor of their mothers, Mary Fraizer and Frances Royer.

Although the temperatures outside were in the mid 30's, none of the players complained about the cold.  A crowd of about 100 was in attendance, including dignitaries Dr. Eugene Trani of VCU and Kathleen Bowles, the Director of Lobs & Lessons.  Upon completion, the 5,400 sq. ft. facility will house mentoring classrooms, computer labs, offices, 2 hard surface tennis courts and a basketball court.

Following the afternoon ceremony, the players were the stars of a children's tennis clinic held at the Siegel Center and attended by several hundred youth from the various beneficiary charities.  Cameras were not on short supply as kids and their adult volunteers found themselves in close proximity to the world's top players.

Former tour pro and current Tennis Channel commentator, Leif Shiras, provided his talents as announcer for the afternoon clinic, with commentary that at least kept the adults chuckling. 

"What's the secret to a forehand?" Shiras asked Andre Agassi during warm-ups. 

"I haven't found that out yet," Agassi replied.  

"I should ask Steffi," said Shiras.  He paused, and then noted, "When people talk about the greatest players ever, they mention Steffi Graf."

That comment didn't escape the attention of  James Blake, who was warming up with partner Lindsay Davenport.  "They mention [her]?" he asked, clearly finding the word not fully appropriate for the 22 Grand Slam Singles titles winner.

Shiras tried again.  "Who's your favorite tennis player?" he asked Blake.  

"He recently retired," was the response.

"And who's yours?" Shiras asked Andre.

"My wife," he replied.

"Ah, he's not only talented, he's very smart," laughed Shiras.

Smiles were also provided by some the clinic attendees, who were given an opportunity to ask the players questions.  In answer to a query about how he learned to play tennis, Andre said his father tied a ball to his crib and his hand to a ping pong paddle and didn't give him any food until he hit it.  (He clarified that he was joking.)

Asked what other sports he had tried, Blake said he played baseball and basketball in high school.  "And wrestling, but that was a mistake."

"Do you have any friends that you play with?" a child asked Andre.  Agassi said that he did, noting those on the court with him.  He called tennis a "great life".

Shiras summed it up perfectly.  "It's not an easy game to learn, but if you can master it, there are great rewards."

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The players had a good time hamming it up for the afternoon clinic.