THE SCOOP: MONDAY, MAY 6

Andre still shakes head "no" to Davis Cup
Clijsters claims victory over Venus; Gaudio going strong; So long, Sergi and Chris

By Sandra Harwitt
tennisreporters.net

Susan Mullane/ Camerawork USA

When Andre Agassi was asked whether he's having a change of heart concerning Davis Cup at the recent U.S. Clay Court Championships in Houston, he indicated to reporters that he's standing by his decision not to play.

Agassi, who holds a stunning 30-5 win-loss record in the prestigious team competition, has made the decision that his Davis Cup days are done. But many are still holding out hope that Agassi, the 1999 Roland Garros champion, would come around and join the team for the upcoming semifinal round. His presence on that semifinal squad seems to many to be imperative since the U.S. will be playing France on clay at Roland Garros in September.

As a bit of history, the U.S. has unsuccessfully faced France at the Grand Slam site in the Davis Cup final four times between 1928 and 1932 when the Gallic foursome of Rene LaCoste, Henri Cochet, Jean Borotra and Jacques Brugnon ruled the sport.

While it is true that Agassi fell to Pete Sampras on the clay at Houston in the semifinals, in general, he is the player you want leading the team against France in September. It's encouraging that Sampras held his own on the clay, losing to fellow American Andy Roddick in the final, but it is grass and fast courts that are Sampras' expertise and to rely on him to lead a squad on red dirt is a precarious situation at best. It is also to the benefit of the U.S. that Roddick is proving to be comfortable on all court surfaces and has captured three of his five career trophies on clay.

Agassi's stance that he will keep to his word that his Davis Cup career is over is not preventing U.S. Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe from trying to sway him to rejoin the fold. McEnroe, who is turning into a topnotch Davis Cup leader, made the trip to Houston to meet with Agassi. And while this trip might not have brought Agassi around, you can bet that McEnroe will keep his persuasive powers going.

But let's not forget that McEnroe gave us the bottom line concerning Agassi's participation when the U.S. defeated Spain in Houston last month to reach the semifinals. He only wants Agassi on board if Agassi really wants to be there. Enthusiasm is a top priority for McEnroe when he's looking to field his team and he doesn't want any halfhearted participants feeling they'd prefer to be someplace else.

Clijsters claims victory over Venus

Susan Mullane/ Camerawork USA

Heading into the French Open where she was a finalist last year, Belgian Kim Clijsters upset defending champion Venus Williams 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 to take the Betty Barclay Cup title in Hamburg on Sunday. This is an excellent sign for the 18-year-old talent, who has had a number of injury concerns this season. Clijsters also tends to have difficulty taking it to top players – for instance, she certainly had opportunities to beat Jennifer Capriati in the Roland Garros final, but was just edged out of championship status with a 1-6, 6-4, 12-10 win by the American.

Clijsters is an excellent player with a great deal of power to pummel groundstrokes through opponents. While she has a competitive spirit, she is also really nice and maybe that gets in the way at times. She often seems more willing to accept losses than she should be. Maybe boyfriend Lleyton Hewitt could give her a few lessons on staring down an opponent and getting in their face.

Gaudio going strong
Enjoying a 13-match winning streak, 23-year-old Gaston Gaudio of Argentina has just taken back-to-back titles at Barcelona and Mallorca. In all, his clay court season is turning out to be a winner with a 16-1 win-loss record and wins over Gustavo Kuerten, Cedric Pioline and Fernando Vicente.

"I'm a little bit surprised to have won two weeks in a row, but I'm really, really happy," Gaudio said after taking the Mallorca crown.

That's an attitude that the No. 30 ranked Gaudio is going to have to drop now that he's doing so well and if he wants a career in the upper echelon of the game. Top players aren't surprised that they're winning two weeks in a row since they anticipate winning every week. Maybe Gaudio can turn to his countries former standouts – Guillermo Vilas and Jose Luis Clerc – for a few lessons on believing he can do it.
Gaudio not only heads into this week's Italian Open as one of the favorites, but will likely be considered a favorite in Paris later in the month. That is a heavy load to carry and he should prepare himself ahead of time.

So long, Sergi and Chris

Fred Mullane/ Camerawork USA Sergi Bruguera, Chris Woodruff

In recent weeks, two-time French Open champion Sergi Bruguera announced his retirement from the game. Since winning those crowns in 1993 and 1994, his best result was going to the final at Roland Garros in 1997. Injury plagued throughout the latter part of his career, Bruguera won the last three of his 14 career titles in 1994.

Also hanging up his rackets is American journeyman Chris Woodruff, who at 29-years-old is most remembered for his Davis Cup performance against Zimbabwe in 2000. An Australian Open quarterfinalist in 2000, Woodruff won two career titles during his career.