THE SCOOP, JUNE 26

Andre hush on possible nuptials

STEFFI'S WEDDING BAND …
Andre Agassi gave a fast court clinic in disposing of Peter Wessels on Tuesday and then grew snippy when asked by a British tabloid reporter whether his girlfriend, Steffi Graf, is wearing a wedding ring. Andre roared, "Why don't you think of a question that is your business?" The woman then replied, "Your fans will be anxious to know." Agassi snorted, "I'm sure. I'll wait till they ask me."

… RAFTER'S HEADBAND

Susan Mullane Camerawork USA, Inc.

Patrick Rafter donned a new headband today of the black and red variety. He said it was given to him by countryman Paul Kilderry as a joke in Halle two weeks ago. "I walked on court and couldn't bring myself to wear it," Rafter said. "Looked like an idiot. Then I thought, 'Oh stuff it, I'll do it.' Got a few laughs from everyone the first few days and everyone knows I look like an idiot. i don't care anymore. --it does catch a lot of sweat."

PAPA WILLIAMS DISHES VENUS
Defending champ Venus Williams advanced over Shinobu Asagoe but was not extremely impressive. Her father and coach, Richard, told MSNBC's Bud Collins, "When Venus is good, she's very good. When she's bad, she looks like a junior." Brit reporters say that the Lawn Tennis Association asked she and Venus to help promote tennis in England and the sisters replied that they would needed £100,000. Venus wouldn't comment on the money aspect, but did say that the job should be done by a Brit, rather than by an American.