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Saturday, September 9
Agassi says he's been distracted
Associated Press
NEW YORK -- Defending gold medalist Andre Agassi, his mother
and sister both fighting breast cancer, pulled out of the Sydney
Olympics on Wednesday.
|  | | Andre Agassi of the United States was distracted by family problems during his match with Arnaud Clement of France at the U.S. Open in New York. |
Agassi, who has said all year the Olympics are among his top
priorities, cited "personal reasons" for quitting the team a
little more than a week before the opening ceremony.
"As a consequence of a family medical situation, I will not be
able to participate in the upcoming Sydney Olympics," Agassi said
in a statement released by the U.S. Tennis Association. "My time
and attention should be with my family during this period."
USTA president Judy Levering said, "Our thoughts and prayers
are with Andre during this very difficult time. We wish him and his
family all the best, and look forward to having him return to
tennis when he is ready."
No replacement was immediately announced. Agassi's spot would be
offered first to the players who previously turned down an
invitation, Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras and Jan-Michael
Gambill. If they decline, the next highest ranking player who would
be asked to join the team is Chris Woodruff.
Agassi, 30, has had a difficult summer. As defending
U.S. Open champion, he lost in the second round. He also lost in
the second round at the French Open, where he was defending
champion. At Wimbledon, he lost to Patrick Rafter in the
semifinals, then injured his back in a traffic accident after
returning to the United States.
Gustavo Kuerten, who was seeded No. 2 behind Agassi at the U.S.
Open and lost in the first round, also announced he was quitting
Brazil's Olympic team following a dispute over whose uniform he
would wear at the Sydney Games.
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