MELBOURNE Australia -- Defending champion Andre Agassi
cruised into the second round of the Australian Open on Monday,
then said he might never again play Davis Cup for the United
States.
|  | | Andre Agassi had an easy day, winning the first set in 19 minutes and then beating Jiri Vanek 6-0, 7-5, 6-3. |
"I don't have it in me anymore. I just don't," said Agassi,
who has long maintained that the annual Davis Cup should be held
less frequently.
Some players have suggested the tournament be held every two
years or every four years like the Olympics, the soccer World Cup
and other events involving national teams.
Agassi, seeded sixth, was efficient in a 6-0, 7-5, 6-3 victory
over Jiri Vanek of the Czech Republic on the Melbourne Tennis
Center's new Court One. He is coming off a victory in the Colonial
Classic in Melbourne.
In the post-match news conference room, Agassi said he was
unlikely to play Davis Cup because its annual format would remain
intact until at least 2003.
He said he relayed his decision in a conversation a few weeks
ago with new U.S. captain Patrick McEnroe.
"I believe there are solutions to it," Agassi, 30, said. "But
a lot of people need to get together to make it happen, and I'm
just a little skeptical if that's going to happen. And I certainly
know by participating, it's just not in the cards for me."
John McEnroe, Patrick's brother, resigned last year as Davis Cup
captain. One reason he cited for his resignation was his inability
to convince Pete Sampras and Agassi to commit to playing Davis Cup
in 2001.
When he took over, Patrick McEnroe said he understood Sampras'
and Agassi's reluctance to commit to the team because they were in
the twilight of their careers and wanted to be ready for the Grand
Slams.
The United States is scheduled to play Switzerland in Basel next
month in the first round of Davis Cup play.
|
|
ALSO SEE
Sampras, Davenport, Safin survive Aussie openers
Crowd enjoys Davenport beating ex-Aussie Dokic
|
