One governing body interests Agassi - 網球

Tuesday, February 3, 2004
Associated Press

Andre Agassi would like to stay involved in tennis once he's no longer
on the court -- perhaps in a major leadership role.

If the sport's governing bodies one day consolidate, Agassi is interested
in being part of the process. Currently, tennis is managed under several
different umbrellas: the ATP Tour, the WTA Tour and the United States Tennis
Association. Many believe the sport would run more smoothly with a
unifiedorganizing system.

But Agassi doesn't want some fancy title, such as "Commissioner of Tennis."

"I would have a tremendous amount of interest in helping the sport that's
been so good to me," Agassi said Tuesday during a conference call for next
week's Siebel Open in San Jose, Calif.

"I have no interest in having some token job title. There's a lot of help
the sport needs right now. ... It can go a long ways in a short amount of time."

He said change would require sacrifice from everyone involved, especially
the players.

"I would enjoy very much directing the potentials of wherethat could lead,"
he said. "I think tennis is in for serious improvement, even from here."

While the women's game has gained significant popularity since sisters
Venus and Serena Williams arrived, American men's tennis is finally on the
rise again.

That's thanks to energetic young stars such as Andy Roddick, James Blake,
Mardy Fish, Taylor Dent and Robby Ginepri.

And the 33-year-old Agassi, of course.

Last year, two of Agassi's longtime rivals retired. Pete Sampras, who won
a record 14 Grand Slam titles, and Michael Chang both said goodbye during
the U.S. Open.

While Agassi and wife Steffi Graf now have two young children, he is still
going strong. He acknowledges there are more scheduling conflicts these days.

Agassi is ranked No. 5 in the world this week after losing in the
Australian Open semifinals to runner-up Marat Safin,a three-set loser to
Roger Federer in the final.

Agassi is the defending champion at the Siebel Open and is making his
12th appearance in the Bay area in 15 years. He knows he can still win
Grand Slam events.

"For me, I have to believe that my best will get it done,"he said.
"I'm still believing in (my game)."

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