嗯, 華盛頓退賽了 - 網球

WASHINGTON, DC – Five-time Legg Mason Tennis Classic champion Andre Agassi,
who was scheduled to play in this week’s tournament (August 1-7) has
withdrawn, in a letter faxed to the Tournament Office late Sunday night.

In the letter to Tournament Director Jeff Newman, Agassi stated:

“Over the years, I have been privileged to be a part of the Legg Mason.
However, at this point in my career I have to be extremely selective about
the amount of matches that I play in preparation of the U.S. Open.

I am sorry that I will not be there this year, but hope to return in 2006.”

“Obviously it’s unfortunate that Andre has withdrawn from the Legg Mason
Tennis Classic,” said Tournament Chairman Donald Dell. “But we are very
appreciative for his participation and loyalty to the event every year
since 1990. After winning the Mercedes-Benz Cup in Los Angeles this weekend,
Andre feels he needs to rest, and we certainly understand that his health
has to be his first priority. On behalf of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic,
we wish Andre nothing but the best.”

Tournament Director Jeff Newman added, “The Legg Mason Tennis Classic
promises an exciting week of tennis, with a strong field that includes
three former champions in the draw – Andy Roddick, James Blake and Tim
Henman, along with finalists Paradorn Srichaphan and Gilles Muller.”

The tournament also features two local players - a resurgent Paul
Goldstein (currently #70 on the INDESIT/ATP Entry Rankings) from
Rockville, MD and 19-year-old Phillip Simmonds from Reston, VA,
who has qualified for his first ATP event. Robby Ginepri, winner
at the RCA Championships in Indianapolis a week ago, and Mark
Philippoussis are also in this year’s draw.

The Legg Mason Tennis Classic runs through Sunday, August 7 at the
William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center (16th and Kennedy Streets, N.W.).


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