MACAU (AFP) - Tennis great Andre Agassi on Thursday added his voice to calls for the ATP to revise their schedule, saying it would benefit players and fans.

The issue was thrown into the spotlight this week at the Shanghai Masters with Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick complaining that men's players were being worn down by the gruelling demands.

Roger Federer (fatigue) and Andy Murray (wrist injury) skipped the tournament, while Roddick retired with an injured knee in the second round and US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro hurt his wrist Wednesday and withdrew.

"I always thought it's best to give the players a schedule that enables the players to be at their best," eight-time Grand Slam champion Agassi said in a teleconference ahead of next week's Venetian Macau Showdown with Pete Sampras.

"The off-season is healthy for players and the fans -- it builds up anticipation for the fans.

"I think the tour should tighten up the schedule, so the top players can play more often in a shorter time. I would like to see everyone come to the table and work out a schedule that suits everyone."

Roddick has been one of the most outspoken on the need to revise the 11-month schedule, warning a showdown with players was looming.

"It's ridiculous to think you have a professional sport that doesn't have a legitimate off-season to rest, get healthy, and then train," said Roddick.

"We're finished -- what is it -- November 30 after the season-ending World Tour Finals in London, and have to be pretty much Grand Slam ready by January 4, year after year after year after year.

"We've tried to make our voice heard for a long time. And we end up finishing a little bit later now (in 2009)," added the world number six.

Nadal, who has struggled with injuries this season, added: "It's impossible to play the 1st of January and finish 5th of December. No sport can do it, and you play (a) shorter career."

Agassi, who retired in 2006 at the age of 36, takes on his old rival Sampras in an exhibition in Macau on October 25, the first time the two have played each other since the US Open final in 2002.

"I am looking forward to renewing my rivalry with Pete," he said.

"It was a very important part of my career. We made history together."