Injured Agassi hopes rest will help hip - 網球

Sports - AFP

Injured Agassi hopes rest will help hip

Wed Jun 30, 8:53 AM ET


WASHINGTON (AFP) - Former world number one Andre Agassi is uncertain
about when he will return to the ATP Tour due to the hip injury that
forced him to withdraw from Wimbledon (news - web sites) and might
keep him from the US Open.


The 34-year-old American was eliminated in the first round at the
French Open and failed to win a match in three consecutive tournaments
for the first time since 1997.


"The jury is still out on my hip and it's something I've struggled
with on and off for a while now," Agassi said Tuesday on a
teleconference.


"Not playing the clay season and then going straight out to the
grass compromised how it's feeling. I knew I wasn't physically in
a position to be anywhere near my best."


Agassi has completed a career Grand Slam but has not won a Slam title
since last year's Australian Open.


"I'm hoping this time off, combined with being back on the hard courts,
will be a good opportunity for me to feel a lot better," Agassi said.
"It's one step at a time."


Agassi, whose wife Steffi Graf will be inducted into the International
Tennis Hall of Fame on July 10, said his instincts drive him to play.


"I can't help that my thumb and remote control gravitate toward tennis,"
Agassi said. "It has been a bittersweet feeling. It's not an easy one.


"It has been very difficult and was a difficult decision for me to
make (not to play at Wimbledon), but in my mind a clear one.
It's tough to sit back and watch it. I believe in what I'm doing and
I'm working hard."


Agassi, his wife and son Jaden are featured in a new television
commercial and family life has become a growing part of the tennis
legend's world.


"I try to allow my children to distract me as much as possible when
I'm not training," he said. "Nothing can take your mind off Wimbledon
more than seeing your boy fall down and almost break his nose."


But as with past ups and downs in his career, Agassi is confident
of making another rise.


"It has been a challenge but I'm getting through with a lot of support
and professional guidance with my trainer and coach," Agassi said.
"I really believe I'll get through this time."

------------------------------------

Resigned to watching Wimbledon from the sidelines, Agassi believes
Roger Federer will defend his title.
(這是稍早之前的訪問 果然Federer眾望所歸)

"Federer in my mind has clearly separated himself in the field,"
Agassi said. "He's a guy who has proven he can get the job done.


"He has a talent and flare for the game that is very unique.
To win a tournament like Wimbledon, you have to deliver on important
moments, and sometimes those moments happen when you least expect it. "


"Regardless of the opponent, you have to step up to the challenge and
Federer has proven he can do it."

--------------------------------------

Agassi, 34, said he has been hitting the ball well in practice,
but won't play a major tournament if he feels he has no chance to win.
The U.S. Open begins Aug. 30.


"I still have a tremendous belief that if I'm feeling good,
I can play some of my best tennis," he said.
"At this stage in my career, I can only think of the ultimate prize.
If I don't think I'm in the hunt for that, I won't play."


His injury won't stop him from playing in the World TeamTennis Pro League
next week. He plays his first match for the Sacramento Capitals as they
host the St. Louis Aces on July 7. He then travels to Philadelphia
to play the Freedoms two days later.


Nearly 10,000 kilometres from Wimbledon, Agassi has been watching TV
from his Las Vegas home to keep an eye on the tournament he won in 1992.
"I can't help that my thumb and remote control gravitate toward the
television," he said. "It's been a bittersweet feeling, not an easy one.
It's tough to sit back and watch it. I miss playing in the greatest
venue in the world."

---------------------------------------

--