Agassi calls for schedule reform

Eurosport - Thu, 15 Oct 17:34:00 2009

Tennis great Andre Agassi has added his voice to calls for the ATP to revise their schedule, saying it would benefit players and fans.

TENNIS 2009 US Open - Andre Agassi blows kisses to the crowd after making a speech at Flushing Meadows - 0

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."

AFP

Comment 1 - 14 of 14

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  1. what else do u want us (the fans to watch) if u no like­ to collect the point.. do wat u do best ..feign an­ injury.. go rest.. so play the play..

    From biggie, on Sat 17 Oct 8:23AM

  2. play the tennis

    From biggie, on Sat 17 Oct 8:21AM

  3. hihihihihihi.....:D

    From Ian, on Fri 16 Oct 11:05PM

  4. paranoia is an insidious thing.....?

    From Ian, on Fri 16 Oct 10:58PM

  5. Players old and new should not detect the pace as they­ are getting paid. If you can't compete then rest.­ simple as that..Agassi no master of it all. They are­ not tired of making money but they are tired of playing­ tennis, Doctors, builders and even corrupt politicians­ are always at their work. Why the over hyped tennis­ players. You can't eat your cake and have it..­ \get matured Agassi and Rodick

    From Augustine A, on Fri 16 Oct 10:58PM

  6. :o)....FergusO......djokovic.....Micheal.....?

    From Ian, on Fri 16 Oct 10:57PM

  7. :o)....?

    From Ian, on Fri 16 Oct 10:51PM

  8. :o)

    From Ian, on Fri 16 Oct 10:46PM
  9. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    goodluck all 'round. get plenty on the ghana v­ brazil u-20 world cup final later today, including live­ commentary. visit africaplays.come now.

    From Second S, on Fri 16 Oct 11:46AM
  10. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Agassi, u r not on tour! Ur time is over, so get a­ life!

    From Vic M, on Fri 16 Oct 7:41AM

  11. well said]
    A TOTAL COMPLETE BREAK FOR OCT/NOV
    AFTER US­ GP UNTIL NEW YEAR

    From susan4campbell, on Fri 16 Oct 3:28AM
  12. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    . and please take a look at:­ djokovic-says-fitness-helping-avoid-burnout page­ ..
    Some freak is again hiding comments on Novak page­ with tones of negative votes ..
    ten mins ago, all was­ normal.. 10 negative in a 10 minutes for ordinary post­ ??
    Thank you Murraysport !!!!
    WHEN WILL THIS TERROR­ STOP ???

    From Igor K, on Thu 15 Oct 10:29PM

  13. Andre FTW ! ;]]

    From degnerko, on Thu 15 Oct 9:21PM
  14. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    can't wait for that one, but sampras is still the­ best

    From george, on Thu 15 Oct 8:30PM
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