Agassi Enjoying Retirement

Andre Agassi says he's having no trouble at all making the transition to retired tennis pro.

From Eurosport: Agassi happy in retirement

"I understand myself a little better every day," he told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. "While you're playing tennis, it's easy only to see yourself in this light. But now I have the chance to undertake a lot of new things. Starting with my family, but also with the foundation for underprivileged children and my business activities.

"I strongly believe that in 20 years' time, people will struggle to remember that I used to play tennis. I am hoping to have a positive influence on humanity in different ways in the future."

Woman Wins Tennis Lesson With Andre Agassi

I absolutely love this article.  Don't miss the last line.

From The Virginian Pilot: Norfolk woman gets tennis lesson from Agassi

"Hey, Van Burens! Wanna play some tennis?" greeted the familiar voice belonging to Andre Agassi.

At the Anthem Live! auction last December at the Constant Center, Katie's winning bid of $13,000 gave her the privilege of a one-hour tennis lesson with eight-time Grand Slam champion Agassi, with the money going for local cancer research...

Agassi, Graf Lose Money on House Sale

Luckily, I think they can afford it.

From the AP: Tennis stars Agassi, Graf lose $3 million on mansion sale

Retired tennis stars Andre Agassi and wife Steffi Graf have agreed to sell their mansion overlooking San Francisco Bay for $20 million - $3 million less than it sold for five years ago...

Agassi and Graf live most of the year in Las Vegas and had been asking $24.5 million for the property, which features 11 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a home theater, two pools, a tennis court and helicopter landing pad.

Agassi's financial advisers wanted him to get rid of the little-used compound to save on the cost of upkeep, Bullock said.

Audio: Stan Smith Talks Agassi, the US Open and More

Check out Eric's interview with former US Open champ Stan Smith  over at www.justmyshow.com (done during Agassi's match with Baghdatis).

Becker def. Andre Agassi

I can't believe it's all over. Here's to Andre the Great. Has there ever been a greater comeback and transformation in sports? What a story, what an icon, what an athlete.

Agassi def. Baghdatis!!!

I'll be honest, I didn't think Agassi had a snowball's chance in hell against Baghdatis' groundstrokes, heart and young legs. Was I ever wrong.

23, 000 rowdy fans, 3 3/4 hours, a tenacious Agassi, a resurgent Baghdatis. Agassi losing the 4th set after being up 2 breaks. Marcos cramping. John McEnroe shitting himself in the box. It was  spectacular. Bravo, Andre!

And bravo, Marcos, as well, especially for the impromptu speech about Agassi at the end. New York loves you, and so does everyone else.

Next up for Andre is the other Becker (youngster Benjamin, who took out French veteran Grosjean); and then Roddick potentially. Will Andy take out Andre in a symbolic baton pass? Or will Agassi smack an upstart bitch down? Hmmm.

*Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

US Open Day 1: Ljubicic Loses; Agassi Wins

Match of the day? Agassi, Agassi, Agassi. From what I saw of it, Andrei Pavel was playing some great tennis; and Andre Agassi did well to dig out of  0-4 in the 3rd set. "You want to to be everything you hope it is," said Agassi. "It was perfect." Indeed it was. But can he take out Baghdatis, too? Here's a match review and Agassi's press conference.

Feliciano Lopez finally got his own back against Ivan Ljubicic and logged the upset of the day 6-3 6-3 6-3. LaLo had lost to Ljubicic at the Australian Open, and then again in a brutal 5 set match at Wimbledon. This win takes Lopez to 3-2 over Ivan lifetime. Poor Ivan is still getting no love from...well, anyone. This first round loss won't help.

Interesting factoid: Lopez never faced a breakpoint all match and didn't lose a single point (!) on serve in the 2nd set. Here's a match review.

In other news, 2004 champ Svetlana Kuznetsova escaped an upset in her three set win against a German qualifier; Lindsay Davenport's shoulder is feeling ok; Elena Dementieva got through despite 30+ errors; and Andy Roddick radiated confidence all over the court in his win over Florent Serra. Serra's no pushover, but I'm very eager to see what happens when Roddick comes up against a tougher challenge.

Be sure to check out press conference video and transcripts as well as the daily highlights video at the US Open site. Shame on the US Open for not even including tWorld Number 3 Ivan Ljubicic's interview transcript.

Agassi out of Cincinnati

Poor Andre. Can he make the US Open? Here's a great video interview from last year's US Open, and footage of the "He's a punk! You're a legend!" moment v. Jimmy Connors, the Sampras-Agassi finals, and various mullets over the years.

Also, here's the Cincy draw.

Agassi out of Toronto

It's probably for the best after his pitiful showing against Stoppini (who?) and racquet carnage in DC. Here's his statement.

Agassi's Farewell Tour Bust So Far

Less than a week after losing in the quarters to Fernando Gonzalez in LA, Agassi loses in the 2nd round in DC to an Italian qualifier aptly named Andrea Stoppini in straight sets. I think we'd all like to see ANDRE FUCKING AGASSI go out on a high note and make a deep run at the US Open. It's sadly looking more and more doubtful. If only he'd retired after last year's dream run to the US Open final! This year has been absolutely crap for him so far.

Fingers crossed, though. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Gilbert Redux: Roddick, Agassi, Murray

The Guardian has a fascinating article about Brad Gilbert, with juicy tidbits about his varied career: For example, an "ESPN insider" says Gilbert has "an ego the size of Centre Court"--which is amusing to me because ESPN seems littered with football field-sized egos.

Also, Agassi credits him for his career-defining French Open win:

In 1999 Agassi found himself two sets down to Andrei Medvedev in the French Open final when rain stopped play. He returned to the locker room for a pep talk with Gilbert and emerged a different player, going on to take the match in five sets to become one of only five men to win all four grand slams. "It was maybe the biggest win I ever had and I won it because of Brad. His advice during that rain delay was the difference," said Agassi. "He knows the right thing to say at the right time."

And the Guardian says in no uncertain terms what most of us already know about the Roddick relationship--but who knew it was this bad?:

Andy Roddick went from being a tactical dunce to having enough court sense to win the 2003 US Open and become world No1 under Gilbert's tutelage. When they split acrimoniously in December 2004, Roddick quickly reverted to type. He will not talk about Gilbert but their enmity remains, so much so that Roddick did not conduct interviews in ESPN's studio during the French Open and Wimbledon if Gilbert was on the premises.

Yikes. I'm really dying to know what their falling out was about; anyone have an idea?

Read Gilbert talks a good game if Murray cares to listen

American Mass Exodus at Wimbledon

Who would have thought that the only American to make it into the 2nd week at Wimbledon would be Shenay Perry?

Fond Send-Off for Agassi, Mass Exodus by Americans

Wimbledon Day 6 Super Saturday

Agassi (News/Blog Posts) v. Nadal (News/Blog Posts) and the battle of the Andys on Center Court.

You really can't ask for much more.

Nadal and Agassi have only met once before--Rafael egded Andre in (best 2 out of) 3 for the Masters Shield in Toronto last summer. You can bet that Agassi will have some extra motivation to get revenge before it's too late. Here's a short video recap of their first match up, with interviews.

Andy M. (News/Blog Posts) vs. Andy R. (News/Blog Posts) should be a classic... Roddick's got extra incentive to win it, almost as a point of honor, but also because of those, oh, 700 points he's defending from last year's final. This is Murray's opportunity to really declare himself as a comer and with all the hometown support (despite the World Cup debacle, which has escalated quite ridiculously; nice to see non-Americans acting the fool), this is his best shot to date--no matter what he says about his game being more suited to other surfaces.

I'm really looking forward to Lleyton Hewitt (News/Blog Posts) v. little Ollie Rochus (News, Blog Posts), Seb Grosjean v. Marcos Baghdatis (News/Blog Posts)and the battle of the big hitters Dinara Safina (News/Blog Posts) v. Ana Ivanovic (News/Blog Posts), too.

Agassi v Nadal: Passing the Bandanna

Nice article about how Nadal is Agassi's successor as the next great charismatic star in tennis. But how disturbing is this:

Replica versions of Nadal's trademark pirate pants are being bought by the children of fans who once dreamed of having denim shorts like those Agassi wore. Read 'Nadal or Bust'

Here's a nice video vignette on Agassi's transformation.

And speaking of passing torches, here's Bolletieri on Sampras v. Federer (in the second column).

Video: Vijay Amritraj on Agassi-Nadal

Legendary Indian tennis Player Vijay Amritraj breaks down Nadal-Agassi. This video's also got  interview segments with Nadal and Roddick. Watch the video.

Agassi's Short Socks

They are really distracting.

Roddick, Federer, Hingis, et. al. on Agassi

Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Andy Murray, Martina Hingis, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt and Todd Martin pay tribute to Agassi. Here are their quotes. Federer weighs in here.

Agassi Will Retire after US Open

Well, we knew it had to come, and now we've got a date. I hope he has a stellar summer on the courts and can go out in a blaze of glory.

I also hope we'll get to see a lot of Agassi--in the commentary box, at (televised, please) charity events, or maybe at the occasional senior tour event soon. And how great would it be if he played World Team Tennis with Sampras next year?

Read the Story: Agassi Out

*photo from www.gerrysplace.nl/agassi.htm

Wimbledon Draws are Out!: The Men

And ouch, what a draw it is. Federer's basically got most of the high-end grass courters in his quarter. Gasquet in the first round, or for all you Gasquet fans (myself included), Gasquet's got Federer. Roger could face Timmy Henman in the second round, and Tommy Haas, who just gave Roger trouble in Halle, in the 4th round. Red hot Mario Ancic and iron-serve Ivo Karlovic are at the bottom of Federer's quarter. Nalbandian or Blake in the semis. Sure, you can't bet against Roger, but wow, this is a tough draw.

Nalbandian's draw looks pretty straightforward until Blake in the quarters, but Poor Andy Roddick (and Marat Safin) are in Lleyton Hewitt's section. Andy Murray's in there, too.

Agassi's in Nadal's portion of the draw, so is Feliciano Lopez, his buddy and Wimbledon housemate who made the quarters last year (first Spaniard in 33 years to do so). F-Lo has been having a dismal year and drawing Ivan Ljubicic in the opening round won't necessarily help matters.

ETA: Player Reaction to the Draw

The Return of Agassi

Here's to hoping Agassi finds some good form next week to go deep at Wimbledon. I think everyone would love to see Agassi go out with a bang; I know it's a long shot, but I'd love for him to win Wimbledon or the US Open this year and retire with a wreath on his head. The whole cortisone shot regimen he's on just seems like an increasingly bad idea longterm. Anyway, here are a few good pieces about Andre:

BBC: Agassi returns toWimbledon / Agassi Gets A for Effort  / One Last Hurrah

Queen's Club Transcripts

Hurray for Queen's Club! Not only is Stella Artois a great beer, they've also put up a great website. They've got full transcripts of post-match interviews (as well as audio clips). Here are Rafal Nadal after defeating Mardy Fish, Lleyton Hewitt and Mark Philippoussis on their wins, Andy Murray on getting the early boot, Andre Agassi after the loss to Henman, and defending champ Andy Roddick on his 3-set scare.

And here's the archive.

Agassi, Murray Out in First Round

Proud Agassi admits to doubts about Wimbledon fitness
Andre Agassi crashed out as he played his first grass-court match in two years on Monday, then admitted that his tentative comeback effort from back problems at Queen's club might affect his Wimbledon preparation.  Read On...

STELLA DEFEAT 'NO WORRY' FOR MURRAY
Andy Murray slid out of the Stella Artois Championships at the first hurdle today but insisted he would lose little sleep over his defeat to impressive Serb Janko Tipsarevic. Read On...

Ace Hot List

Well, the most important tennis rankings are out.

For the men, the Spanish Armada is, of course, well represented in the top 10--  Rafael Nadal, Feliciano Lopez, Juan Carlos Ferrero. And apparently bald is also beautiful, with 2 shiny domes making the cut.

For the women, the top 10 is dominated by the Russians and sort-of Russians: Myskina, Dementieva, Kirilenko, Golovin and Sharapova.

The Women's and Men's Lists

I must say I disagree with the rankings. Ivanovic, Venus, Dementieva and Mirza are IMHO the most beautiful women on tour; and the spaniards should clearly have a lock on the top 4 (Feli first, and where is Moya?), and the absence of Ancic and Nalbandian is obviously poor judgement. (Roddick, top 10? Blasphemy!)

Agassi Pulls Out of Rome

Since Andre Agassi had already announced he plans to take the clay court season off, his withdrawal from the Rome Masters event isn't exactly a surprise, but it's now official.

From Tennis Week: Agassi Withdraws From Rome

Since the start of the year, Andre Agassi has suggested he would likely skip the clay-court season and now it seems certain Agassi will not land on a court until after Roland Garros concludes. Today, the 2002 Rome champion withdrew from the Rome Masters Series event set to start on May 8th due to his  chronic sciatic nerve pain.

Agassi Pulls Out

Andre Agassi had to pull out of the Nasdaq today - the same old injury.  Here's his press conference with a pretty detailed discussion of the current status of his injury.

It's not sounding good for any kind or serious return to tennis for him, but of course he doesn't seem to have quite admitted that to himself yet - although he's getting closer.

Agassi Loses

I don't think anyone is surprised that Tommy Haas defeated Andre Agassi last night.  Haas has been playing really well this year, even pushing Roger Federer to the limit at the Australian Open and Agassi has just started playing again after missing months.

So Agassi seemed to take this loss harder than warranted.  I think it's starting not to be worth it to him to play unless the rewards are immediate.

And on a side note, I think James Blake may be solidifying that second singles spot in Davis Cup ahead of Agassi.

From The Desert Sun: Agassi somber after loss

Dazed by what happened 10 minutes earlier on Center Court, 35-year-old Andre Agassi sat somberly through his news conference Monday night in search of the right words to reveal his feelings.

Seeded eighth in the Pacific Life Open, Agassi lost in straight sets to German Tommy Haas 7-5, 6-2 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The loss dropped a disheartened Agassi to 4-3 in 2006.

"It's frustrating. You know, it's been a long time since I've felt good on the court," Agassi said. "It's just getting tiring, that's all."

Agassi Upset at Playing in Rain, But Still Wins

From the San Diego Union-Tribune: Agassi keeps swinging in the rain

Andre Agassi considers himself someone who normally gets upset about being upset, except he was more than upset. He was fuming.

Treading on a hardcourt in the rain is not Agassi's idea of a swell way of spending an afternoon. The lines become slick. Players can fall. At 35, Agassi has to be aware that he could be one tumble from no longer having a career.

Agassi May Buy Borg's Trophies

Interestingly, Andre Agassi's motivation isn't to help out Bjorn Borg.  Rather, he's upset at the idea of anyone who didn't win Wimbledon on the court possessing the trophies.

From Reuters: Agassi looks at buying Borg's Wimbledon trophies

Andre Agassi is attempting to put together a consortium to buy Bjorn Borg's five replica Wimbledon trophies...

The sale is due to go ahead on June 21 at Bonham's salerooms in London and the trophies and rackets are collectively expected to bring in between 200,000 and 300,000 pounds ($521,100). "I've discussed it with my own people to find a way of gathering the right people together to buy those trophies and do right by the game to purchase them," Agassi told reporters at the Pacific Life Open.

Agassi/Graf Resort Wins Initial Legal Fight

From the AP: House Ok's liquor license measure

The Idaho House voted 49-17 to allow businesses located within year-round resorts to get liquor licenses, helping clear the way for a swanky hotel project that's being financed by tennis stars Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf to serve cocktails.

The plan now goes to the Senate.

Reporter Speculates Agassi Just Came for the Money

Here's the down side to those hefty appearance fees everyone knows Dubai pays.  You play a lousy match, even when you're still rusty from lack of match play after a long injury layoff like Andre Agassi, and people think you were laying down on the job.

From The Khaleej Times: Quick home run for Agassi

"Wake up Agassi!” shouted one wag from high up in the centre court stands. To that concerned fan, Andre Agassi seemed to be sleep-walking.

This is not to take credit away from Germany's Bjorn Phau, who was so quick on his feet that he made the American legend look ancient and almost pedestrian.

Agassi: 'I felt like I was playing tennis with golf balls'

From Gulf News: Phau shows the door to Agassi

German Bjorn Phau rode on a popular wave to snuff out Andre Agassi 7-5, 7-5 from the Dubai Duty Free Men's Open on centre court late last night.

Phau, winner in the first round against lucky loser Giorgio Galimberti in three sets, strode into the hearts of the jam-packed centre court with a sensational display against the experienced American.

"I don't have any excuses to make. I needed to settle down, but he never gave me the chance to do so. He defended well and then when I tried to pass him, he took his chances," Agassi said after his shocking loss.

Agassi Doesn't Think Cortisone Shots Will Cause Long-Term Damage

From DNA India: Twenty years after

...But things are getting difficult. The injuries that have dogged Agassi over the last few years just won’t go away. In fact, his back ailment is now chronic and the only way he can keep playing is to get a cortisone injection once every three months. “I know my back will not get any better, so cortisone injections are a necessary evil as long as I keep playing,’’ he confesses.

“Thankfully, the injections are near the bone and not on any tendons, so hopefully I won’t be paying a long-term price.” 

Agassi Says He's Healthy

Andre Agassi is at least claiming to be healthy, but he admits more injections were necessary to allow him to play tennis again.

And perhaps in a sign that he is thinking more of retirement than he once did, the reporters even coaxed him into talking vaguely about his life after tennis.

From the Khaleej Times: Agassi well prepared to face Rusedski

...Agassi’s main concern, however, is his health as he has to take injections to kill the pains at his lower back. He sustained an ankle injury during the Australian Open but he is happy to be fit again. “It feels good to be healthy. I am feeling good on the court again and looking forward to play my best,” he said.

Agassi out of San Jose

This season continues to not go smoothly for Andre Agassi.  His body is finally trying to tell him it's time for retirement.

From the AP: Agassi pulls out of San Jose tournament with strained back

Andre Agassi has withdrawn from the SAP Open because of a strained lower back, the latest injury setback for the star player.

Agassi, who was seeded second in the event which begins Monday, told tournament director Bill Rapp on Sunday night that he couldn't play. Agassi experienced severe pain in his lower back and down his legs during a workout Sunday, tournament officials said in a news release.

Agassi/Graf Perfume

I realize tennis players like to make easy money when they can, but this press release about Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf's new fragrances just sounds ridiculous - like we've stepped into the middle of a bad romance flick.  It might be better to leave the perfume marketing to the Maria Sharapovas of the tennis world.

From Strategiy: Aramis introduces two new fragrances

Introducing Aramis Always for Him and for Her, two new fragrances inspired by the real life love story of tennis legends Andre Agassi and Stefanie raf. Aramis Always for Him and for Her are modern romance captured in a bottle – telling the story of a couple’s perfect love match and their commitment over time.

Agassi Loses to Garcia-Lopez

From the AP: Agassi upset by Spaniard

Top-seeded Andre Agassi was upset 6-4, 6-2 by Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez on Friday in the quarterfinals of the International Tennis Championships.

The ninth-ranked Agassi, playing in his first tournament of the year, never found his comfort level in the 74-minute match that took place under windy conditions and with skies threatening rain.

“It’s been a long time and I haven’t put together my game,” Agassi said. “I’m not going to judge it until I get comfortable out there. I’m second guessing some swings and I’m second guessing some shots.

Close Call for Agassi

From the Sun-Sentinel: Agassi pulls win from bag of tricks

The great ones know how to escape. Make no mistake, Andre Agassi was pure Houdini in pulling out a three-set victory over Paraguayan journeyman Ramon Delgado on Wednesday night at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships.

And he did it on foreign territory -- at the net.

Agassi Looks Good in His Return

From the Miami Herald: Agassi is sharp in ITC opener

Andre Agassi expected his first match of the year to present a few pitfalls he'd have to overcome.

Instead, the 35-year-old superstar discovered he was fit and fantastic as he scored a 6-4, 6-4 first-round win over Ricardo Mello of Brazil at the International Tennis Championships in Delray Beach on Monday night.

''I anticipated it would be very difficult,'' said the ninth-ranked Agassi. ``The last couple of weeks in practice, I had random moments of frustration getting familiar with the court again.

``You never know how it's going to be in your first match. Tonight I was expecting it to be uncomfortable, but it was better than that.''

''Better than that'' was an understatement for the humble Agassi, who looked solid and match-tough to the delight of the 5,247 fans who packed the Delray Beach Tennis Center. Among the spectators in the crowd were Agassi's wife, Steffi Graf, with their two children in tow, his mother-in-law Heidi Graf and former tennis star Chris Evert, who lives in Boca Raton...

Andre Agassi: The Final Chapter

From The New York Times: Tennis' marathon man is still running at the top

Nearing 36, Andre Agassi is returning from injury and setting new goals - and none of them include retirement. Charles Elmore reports.

ANDRE Agassi wore a sleeveless black shirt and black shorts, sunscreen the only accessory on his bare scalp, and waited for a practice shot to come across the net on stadium court at the Delray Beach Tennis Centre in Florida. It clipped the net cord, and began to trickle over. Three months from his 36th birthday, Agassi sprinted from the baseline and dug it out for a winner. A dozen spectators clapped.

Agassi Will Be Ready for Delray Beach

From the Palm Beach Post: Agassi excited to open in Delray

Two weeks before his first scheduled appearance in Delray Beach, Andre Agassi said Thursday his career is on hold — his racquetball career, at least.

The ankle ligaments Agassi hurt playing racquetball late last year will keep him out of next week's Australian Open. Instead, he will kick off his tennis season at the International Tennis Championships Jan. 30-Feb. 5 in Delray Beach.

"I was a little embarrassed to admit how it happened," Agassi said. "You would think a racket sport would translate."

An occasional recreational racquetball player, Agassi said he's given it up for the time being.

"I haven't played since," he said.

Agassi Asks for Delray Beach Wildcard

This must mean Andre Agassi's ankle is healing (I hope).

From the AP: Agassi requests wildcard for Delray Beach

Andre Agassi requested a wild card to play in the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships for the first time.

The tournament will be Jan. 30-Feb. 5. It would be the first event of the year for Agassi, who pulled out of the Australian Open on Wednesday because of a lingering ankle injury...

He also withdrew Wednesday from next week's Kooyong exhibition event.

"I plan to return to the court as soon as my ankle is fully recovered,'' Agassi said in a statement.

Agassi Injury Update

From The Age: Fitness doubt over Agassi

Andre Agassi has shelved tentative plans for a stopover in Adelaide next week in the latest hint that the four-time Australian Open champion is losing his battle to be adequately prepared for a 10th visit to Melbourne Park.

Just as Agassi arrived unannounced on the Gold Coast early last January to work with his Australian coach Darren Cahill, it has emerged that the pair's intention this time was to divert to Cahill's hometown of Adelaide before, as usual, contesting the Kooyong Classic.

Agassi Questionable for Australian Open

Quite informative: Don't bet on Agassi being in Australia next month because Shanghai most definitely made his injury worse (the exhibition with Graf later probably didn't help things either although he naturally fails to mention this), and he'll skip the entire clay court season next year.  'Tis a slippery slope toward retirement for Agassi.

From the AP: Agassi may miss Aussie Open with injury

Andre Agassi's plans to play next month's Australian Open are in jeopardy because of a severe left ankle sprain that hasn't healed.

"Australia has now become a concern, no question about it. Until this is better, I can't make any sure statements," he said Wednesday. "Right now, I'm worried about my training. I have hope that the next week or two will be big, big gains."

Agassi sprained his ankle Oct. 12 while playing racquetball with a friend in Las Vegas.

Agassi's Charity Work

Andre Agassi makes a cameo appearance in this article about a young woman's recovery from cancer:

...In 1993, Andersen was granted a wish as part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A limousine picked her up at her home and whisked her to the airport, where she was flown to Charlotte, N.C. There she met her teen-crush, 23-year-old Wimbledon champion Andre Agassi.

"I was awestruck," Andersen said. "He looked better than on TV," she said, recalling the many hours she watched him from her hospital bed.

And she was enthralled by his long hair, a sharp contrast to her new crop of hair, struggling to make a comeback after chemotherapy.

That day in the locker room, Agassi autographed his winning tennis racket in a qualifying round for the Davis Cup and handed the racket over to Andersen.

"How great is that," she said, beaming.

Masters Cup Organisers Mad at Agassi

With all the injury pullouts I don't get what Andre Agassi did to deserve to be singled out for blame by Chinese tournament organisers, but here it is.   

From Reuters: Chinese organisers slam Agassi pullout

Chinese organisers on Tuesday vented their anger at Andre Agassi's sudden pullout from the season-ending Masters Cup...

"I don't appreciate what Andre Agassi is doing," deputy organising committee director Wang Liqun said through an interpreter.

"In 2000, when Agassi came for the Heineken (Open), he took an early exit in the first round. Two years later in the Masters Cup, after two defeats, he cited a hip injury and took off.

"This year it happened again."...

Nadal also had fitness concerns coming to Shanghai, while Andy Roddick, Marat Safin and Lleyton Hewitt all withdrew before the start of the tournament.

Wang's scorn, however, was reserved for Agassi, although he stopped short of accusing the 1990 champion of faking injury.

"I don't want to make any personal comment on Andre Agassi's decision (to pull out)," he said. "However, I am certainly not appreciative of what he did -- particularly because he made the sudden announcement without notifying anyone."

Agassi Arrives In Shanghai

Roger Federer's already there and now Andre Agassi has arrived in Shanghai.  A three minute videoclip of his arrival at the airport can be seen here. 

Agassi does a pretty good job of pretending it's normal to have a zillion cameras following you through an airport and even responded to a passing reporter who wanted to know if he'd brought his family with him - no, just his coach.  And I like how the car is labeled "Official Car" on the back windshield.

Agassi and Graf Sign Fragrance Deal

From Fashion Monitor Toronto: Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf Launch Fragrance Duo

Estée Lauder-owned Aramis will launch Always, a fragrance duo inspired by celebrity tennis couple Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf.

Andre Agassi signed up with Aramis two years ago, and now his tennis-legend wife is also involved.

Andre Agassi and Steffie Graf - in this case, Stefanie Graf - will become faces of male and female duo beauty products...

Agassi and the Masters Cup

I guess I have my answer about whether Andre Agassi will participate in the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai even though he hasn't played since the U.S. Open.  This week's ATP Tennis Weekly contains the following quote from him:

"Qualifying for Shanghai is the perfect end to the season.  Shanghai's commitment to host the Tennis Masters Cup for the next three years at the incredible Qi Zhong Stadium is such a great testament to the growing popularity of tennis in Asia." 

So he'll be there.  Phew!

Agassi Qualifies for Masters Cup

From the Tennis Masters Cup website: Agassi Qualifies for Record 14th Time

For the 14th time in his career, Andre Agassi has qualified for the circuit finale, clinching a spot in the $4.45 million Tennis Masters Cup Shanghai. Agassi, who is fifth in the INDESIT ATP 2005 Race, qualified when David Nalbandian lost Saturday in the Davidoff Swiss Indoors semifinals in Basel. Agassi can now fall no lower than sixth in the Race.

So Agassi's in - but will he show?  This is going to be an awkward one.  I doubt that after not playing since the U.S. Open Agassi really wants to travel halfway around the world to Shanghai in November. 

But it doesn't look good for him to opt out.   Yeah, he's got the sciatic nerve problem but he will have had two months off by the time the Masters Cup begins - no doubt one week's play then won't make much difference one way or another with the injury.   

Somehow it seems perfectly acceptable for Agassi to not play the post-U.S. Open indoor circuit because of his age and nagging back injury. 

But the Masters Cup is a level higher.  It's obviously not a Grand Slam, but the rest of the guys are scratching and clawing to earn a place in it.  Roger Federer, the number one player in the world, is desperately hoping his foot injury will heal in time for him to take part.  Guys like Ivan Ljubicic have been playing themselves into the ground for the last few weeks in the faint hopes of snatching a spot.

So I hope for the sake of tennis that Agassi plays.

Agassi and Graf to Attend Emeril's Katrina Fundraiser

Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf will attend Emeril Lagasse's 'Carnivale du Vin' culinary charity event on October 29 at the Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The event will benefit children of the New Orleans area affected by Hurricane Katrina. 

Their official role is listed as "Celebrity Guests" and a private tennis lesson with Agassi and Graf will be auctioned off at the event.  Tickets to the event run a cool $1,000.

Las Vegas Disappointed Agassi Won't Play

Las Vegas has only just been awarded the Tennis Channel Open and already the local press is already complaining because Andre Agassi can't possibly be there.

He's already committed to the Dubai Open for I don't know how many years and it's no secret that that tournament throws around appearance money like water.  But Agassi has always been one of Vegas' strongest backers, so it would be interesting to know if when his contract with Dubai is up he would give up that free money to play in the Las Vegas tournament instead.  Maybe when he finally retires he can make an appearance.

From the  Las Vegas Sun: Don't turn channel for Andre

In that we're a country club town and tennis is a country club sport, that the men's pro tennis tour is returning to Las Vegas next spring is probably a good idea.

It would be a lot better idea if Andre Agassi were playing.

Agassi, the tennis and philanthropic giant, will be patrolling the base line and pounding ground strokes in faraway Dubai, United Arab Emirates, when he should be helping to ring in the Tennis Channel Open's move from S