Agassi pulls out of Legg Mason Classic

Five-time former champion Andre Agassi withdrew from the Legg Mason Tennis Classic on Monday in order to take a break ahead of the upcoming US Open.

Hours after making a triumphant return to the court by winning the Mercedes-Benz Cup on Sunday, Agassi informed tournament director Jeff Newman by fax that he would be skipping the hardcourt event for the first time since 1989.

“At this point in my career, I have to be extremely selective about the amount of matches I play in preparation of the US Open,” the 35-year-old Agassi said.

“I am sorry that I will not be there this year but hope to return in 2006.”

Agassi, who was to be seeded second, won this event in 1990, 1991, 1995, 1998 and 1999. Last year, he lost in the semi-finals to Gilles Muller of Luxembourg, whom he beat in Sunday’s final.

Until last week, Agassi had not played since the French Open due to a sciatic nerve problem in his back.

But he dropped just one set all week en route to claiming his first title of the year.

“Andre feels he needs to rest, and we certainly understand that his health has to be his first priority,” tournament chairman Donald Dell said. “We wish Andre nothing but the best.”

The top seed remains American Andy Roddick, who squandered three match points in a quarter-final loss to Robby Ginepri at Indianapolis two weeks ago and then withdrew from the Mercedes-Benz Cup due to soreness in his right knee. He won this event in 2001.

The US Open begins on August 29.