Agassi To Skip Aussie Open

Andre Agassi, saying he needs rest, has decided to skip the 1997 Australian Open, tournament director Paul McNamee announced.

Agassi, who won the Open in 1995, plans to play in the Compaq Grand Slam Cup next week before taking a two-month break from tennis, McNamee said.

“It’s disappointing that Andre will not be playing, but he clearly feels he needs some time off,” said McNamee.

Official entries for the Australian Open close on Monday.

McNamee had earlier said he expected all the top 20 men and women players to compete in the tournament, which will be held at the National Tennis Center from Jan. 13-26.

Stefan Edberg plays the last two matches of his illustrious tennis career this weekend at the Davis Cup in Malmo, Sweden. Edberg, a six-time Grand Slam champion in singles, drew the first match in the World Group final today against Cedric Pioline.