Crossword Genius

Is long tale backed by former tennis star? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

agassi

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'tennis star?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'is long tale backed' is the wordplay.
'long tale' becomes 'saga' (I've seen this in another clue).
'backed' says the letters should be written backwards.
'is'+'saga'='issaga'
'issaga' written backwards gives 'AGASSI'.

'by former' is the link.
This may not be correct. Some or all of it may belong to another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for agassi that I've seen before include "Andre --, tennis player" , "champion of the court?" , "Andre --, tennis champ" , "tennis star" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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