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TWO
USA STARS FAIL THIS WEEK ON CLAY
Davis Cup still not on Agassi’s
schedule
By
Sandra Harwitt
tennisreporters.net
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Fred
Mullane
Camerawork USA, Inc.
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FROM ROLAND GARROS –
Now that the strength of the U.S. Davis Cup team – Pete Sampras
and Andy Roddick – have been to Paris and gone home first round
losers, there’s bound to be a few nervous folks back at the
USTA. The reason being is that the American squad is scheduled to
come right back here to Roland Garros in September to face a very
adept French team on the terre battue in the semifinals.
To be sure, U.S. Davis captain
Patrick McEnroe knows the only number to phone to bail out his team,
but the problem is his call for help seems likely to go unanswered.
Once again, Andre Agassi,
the most accomplished clay courter in the States, was pressured
by the American media as to whether he will step up to the plate
and make a charitable Davis Cup appearance in September. And, once
again, the 1999 French Open champion has said he’s living by
his previous declaration that he will not be participating in the
international team competition this year or in the future.
“I don’t feel (I
have) the luxury of changing my mind at whim when there’s so
much on the line either way,” said Agassi, after sailing to
a quick 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 first round victory over Eric Prodon of France.
“It wouldn’t be right for the team that’s earned
their place in the semis. It just doesn’t feel like it’s
the right thing for me to do.”
When it was promptly pointed out to Agassi that that very team who
earned the semifinal slot would welcome his involvement, he appeared
appreciative but not swayed by the argument.
Told that the players have
cleared captain Mac to seek out his company for Paris, Agassi said,
“That means a lot to me because I have a lot of respect for
them. It means a lot. But I can’t play based on my need or
based on my convenience. I think both would be at this stage the
wrong decision. I made my decision a while ago and I don’t
even know if I have it to give anymore, to be quite honest. It takes
a lot. I’ve given 12 years [to Davis Cup].”
ANDRE HAS DONE THE U.S.
PROUD
Agassi had a remarkable Davis Cup
career, assisting the U.S. to two Davis Cup victories in 1990 and
1995. According to the seven-time Grand Slam champion, Davis Cup
is the most exhausting tennis experience he’s encountered since
joining the tour as a 16-year-old back in 1986.
“In a best-case scenario,
it takes a good three, four weeks out of your tank,” Agassi
said. “The preparation week, the playing week, the recuperation
week. Depending on where you’re playing, the traveling, the
emotions that get poured into it, I believe Davis Cup is a tougher
commitment than any other commitment in the game of tennis. But
with that being said, I also believe it creates one of the greatest
atmosphere you can ever have in the game of tennis.”
Without a doubt, Agassi’s
closing remarks on the Davis Cup subject – “I do wish
them the best, though” – brought about a bit of a chuckle.
While meant sincerely, it also stated the obvious – an American
squad led by Sampras and Roddick on clay in a foreign country is
more than likely going to need all the luck they can muster.
RODDICK NOT PREDICTING
DAVIS CUP FAILURE
After Andy Roddick’s French Open hopes were dashed 4-6, 7-6,
4-6, 7-5, 6-3 by Australian Wayne Arthurs on Wednesday, the American
teen was not willing to write off the American Davis Cup squads
chances when they head this way in September.
“I really wasn’t
looking at Roland Garros as a warm-up for Davis Cup,” Roddick
said. “But, you know, we’ll see what happens. I mean,
it’s going to be a tough tie either way. I don’t know
if how I did here, if it has much bearing on how we’re going
to do in September. I feel pretty good on the clay. And, you know,
I think ten days prior to the tie will be more telling than this
clay court season.”
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