QUOTE OF THE DAY: MARAT

I'm not defending the ATP, but what he said put it in a delicate position. The ATP allowed him to win a lot of tournaments, a lot of money. It kept his secret. Why does he need to be so cruel with it?

If he is as fair play as he says he is, he has to go to the end. You know, the ATP has a bank account and he can give the money back if he wants.

Me, I don't need money. The question is: Why did he do this? What is done is done. Does he hope to sell more books? It's absolutely stupid.

- Marat Safin on Andre Agassi

Great sound bite Marat and it got you in the media big time on your way out. No surprise there - you've been doing this your whole career - though me thinks you doth protest too much.

There must be shady things going on around the Tour that the public doesn't know about (like, duh) and it seems he'd like it kept that way. For instance, are there other incidents of ballers successfully "getting over" on the ATP + ITF who have kept their mouths glued shut and gone on their merry way? I don't know for sure but I'd say there's probably been some based on his reaction.

Has Marat lost his marbles or does the Russian have a point here? Or here's the bigger question: should a baller keep these lies hidden from the public forever to protect the image of the sport or is it better come clean, whether it's today, tomorrow, or 20 years from now?

(image via bleacherreport.com)

(UPDATED) VIDEO VAULT: Agassi on 60 Minutes, discusses "Open" revelations

Andre Agassi made his much-anticipated TV appearance on last night's 60 Minutes sitting down with Katie Couric to discuss "Open" and the revelations that have shocked much of the tennis world. The first half of the segment is above while the second is below.

I began reading his autobiography this weekend (thanks to the Knopf for the advanced copy) and although I'm not finished I can say it's absorbing stuff - revealing in so many ways. Andre's humanity really comes through here, and the revelations take on a different tone when read in the context of his life rather than as singular, isolated incidents.

More later!


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UPDATE: Martina Navratilova responds to AA's call for "compassion"...



(videos via cbsnews)

VIDEO VAULT: Bonnie D. Ford breaks down Serena + Andre

(Edit: To view the video click on the headline to open the post.)

One of my fave tennis journos, Bonnie D. Ford, talks to ESPN.com's Jennifer Williams and gives some good insight on two of the sports biggest and most controversial figures.

Bonnie discusses the effect of Serena Williams' Doha win on women's tennis and how it will effect her image after the US Open debacle.

She also talks Andre Agassi, who will give his first interview since the controversial admissions from his autobiography "Open" were released on 60 Minutes this Sunday. Set the DVR peeps.

(video via espn.com)

(UPDATED) THE LOW DOWN: Agassi's meth admission

In his forthcoming autobiography "Open" Andre Agassi admits to using crystal meth in 1997.

The first mention of this revelation was in a tweet by Sports Illustrated writer Richard Deitsch earlier today and was later confirmed by The New York Daily News who spoke to a publicist at Knopf, publisher of the book. Incidentally, the tweet by Deitsch has since been removed but was published here. Gotta love the internets.

Many people have found it to be surprising, even shocking, to hear this news. I wonder if it's the type of drug, crystal meth, that has people confounded. Maybe we'd all feel a little more indifferent if it was marijuana, or even cocaine, Andre admitted to using. We're used to those drugs in tennis.

Athletes are normal, albeit gifted, people living extraordinary lives which just means they have greater access to things we could or would do if given the opportunity. We don't like to like to imagine our heroes are prone to the same struggles and pitfalls we're all confronted with in our own lives. But they are.

I'd be more surprised if I peeked in and found only good, clean living over the span of an athlete's lifetime. This news? Not so much.

"Open" will be released on November 9.

UPDATE: Andre admits to lying to ATP officials after testing positive for crystal meth saying he ingested it by drinking from an associate's "spiked soda." The ATP reviewed the case and threw it out. He also admits he's always secretly hated playing tennis but lived in fear of his violent father.

UPDATE #2: Andre was asked about fan reaction to his drug use - "I was worried for a moment, but not for long. ... I wore my heart on my sleeve and my emotions were always written on my face. I was actually excited about telling the world the whole story." (via People.com)

UPDATE #3: WADA wants an explanation.

(Photo: Knopf)

Just like old times: Pete edges Andre in Macao exo

Tennis legends Pete Sampras + Andre Agassi renewed their historic rivalry for an exhibition match in Macao this past weekend.

And it seems they picked up where the left off: Pete defeated Andre 3-6, 6-3, 10-8. Their last pro match was the 2002 US Open final when Pete grabbed his then-record setting 14th major title over his great rival.


The Las Vegas natives ball-striking ability can still impress according to the 7-time Wimbledon champion:

Andre just hits the ball so cleanly, even after being retired for three years. The pace of his shots was very heavy.

Pete's legendary skills at the net haven't seemed to dull over the years, either:

Pete's hands are the same as they've always been. He has great feel for the ball. He surprised me with the number of pickups he made out there. It was like it just came very naturally.

Last year, Pete defeated Roger Federer in Macao during the last match of their Asian exo series.

(Photos: AP)

VIDEO VAULT: Andre can still talk his arse off while Steffi watches on (as usual)

Husband and wife duo Andre Agassi + Steffi Graf sat down for an interview with the BBC One's Inside Sports to discuss life, love, and apparently tons of happiness in their non-tennis lives.

But that's about to change with this Sunday's "A Centre Court Celebration" which will showcase the Grafassi's back in action against Tim Henman and Kim Clijsters as they unveil Centre Court's new-fangled retractable roof and test out playing conditions as well.

Don't have tickets yet? Well, you're def screwed since the tickets sold out in five seconds. But ESPN Classic and ESPN360.com will be broadcasting the event live starting at 9:30AM EST.

Fed + Andre reportedly in talks for MSG exhibition next March - who'll watch Baby Mango then?

Roger Federer can't seem to stay out of the news this week.

The 13-time Grand Slammer was supposedly rebuffed by Darren Cahill as a potential coach, announced the upcoming birth of Baby "Mango", and now the latest: he + Andre Agassi are in talks to meet up for and exo event at Madison Sqaure Garden next March!

After the success of his exo with Pete Sampras last season and the ladies' BJK Cup a few weeks ago, the organizers are looking to build an annual tradition of tennis at the Garden.

OMG - this pairing would make a phenomenal exo. Let's make this happen boys - and I'll even babysit too (and possibly blog about it - shhhh)!

(via LynnLovesTennis)

Andre + Steffi to play exo under Wimbledon's new Centre Court roof, will face Tim + Kim

Andre Agassi + Steffi Graf, Wimbledon '92 Champions' Ball

Former Wimbledon champs Andre Agassi + Steffi Graf will be playing "A Centre Court Celebration", a series of exhibition matches to be played on May 17 against Tim Henman + Kim Clijsters at The All-England Club to test out playing conditions under Centre Court's new retractable roof.

The format will feature men's and women's singles and a mixed-doubles match played in a pro-set format - first to eight games and a tiebreaker at 8-all.

The officials have stated they want to test the atmospherics and humidity levels with 15,000 people sitting in the stands because the court surface needs to be "bone dry" when the roof is closed.

Both Andre + Steffi were thrilled at receiving the invitation to play."I have great memories of playing at Wimbledon and to be among the first to play under the new Centre Court roof is really exciting," said Andre.

Steffi also recalled her past moments at The All-England Club saying, "There is no tennis venue more special to me than Centre Court at Wimbledon. It just doesn't get any better. I couldn't be more honored to play there again with my husband, Andre, and tennis greats Kim and Tim. It will mean so much to return to Wimbledon and ... relive so many wonderful memories."

The couple, married since 2001, won matching Wimbledon titles in 1992.

Sounds like fun though I think it would be more fun if they recreated their '92 Champions' Ball moment - mullet and all - on court. I'd give anything to see that. But question: do they make tuxedos out of lycra?

(image via abcnews.com)

A-Rod pays tribute to Agassi for TIME's 100 most influential people

Tennis legend Andre Agassi made TIME magazine's 5th annual list of 100 of the world's most influential people this year and Andy Roddick was given the honor of writing his tribute:

Andre Agassi

By Andy Roddick

"From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life." —Arthur Ashe

Arthur could well have been talking about Andre Agassi. We are all aware of his tennis accomplishments, the brilliance and flash of his career. It's impossible to forget his epic U.S. Open victories, and also—though he might want us to forget—the mullet and acid-washed jeans. But the greater challenge for an athlete is to have a positive impact away from the cameras. I've been privileged to witness firsthand Andre, 38, do just that.

When I was 17 years old, we were on a flight together. I was very nervous, but Andre was kind and encouraged me to ask him questions. When I asked about his biggest regret, I expected some answer related to our profession. Instead he said it was not starting his charitable foundation earlier. I was shocked that a person who has set such a high bar for athletic philanthropy still felt like he could do more. But that is Andre.

There are most likely plenty of kids at Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a model K-12 charter school for disadvantaged children in Las Vegas, who have never watched a match of his. I promise you that Andre could not care less. He would rather be viewed as the man who gives them dreams and opportunities.

(image via Getty)

Tennis gives back: Justine, Goran, and Ana join Steffi and Andre for benefit tennis match

World No. 1 Justine Henin and former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic joined the Grafassi's - tennis power couple Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi - in a mixed doubles match for the BASF Festival for Children on October 27, 2007. The charity match raises money for the foundation "Children for Tomorrow" founded by Graf.

Serb Ana Ivanovic also participated in the event, playing a singles match against Andre. "It's hard to describe how I felt. I was so excited," said Ana via her website. "He was a big idol for me when I was a kid. I was obviously very nervous before the match, but I was surprised how quickly I was able to relax, and I feel I played well."

(images via AP Photo)

+ WEDNESDAY NETCORDS: Justine, Andy, Lindsay, Billie and Elton...Pete vs. Andre, match-fixing update and more

(image courtesy of J R E Y)

- On top of the world: A huge "congrats!" to World No. 1 Justine Henin for clinching the year-end No. 1 ranking (for the third time in her illustrious career) and winning the United States Sports Academy’s Female Athlete of the Month for September. Plus, she's an astonishing 54-4 this season.

- All bets are off? The tennis gods are gathering in London this Friday to hash out all this match-fixing business. In addition Tennis Diary has reported that players' cell phones may be banned from the locker rooms to avoid inside information from leaking to betters. And, Hall-of-Famer Pam Shriver has some choice words for those prone to betting. Can it be stopped? Stay tuned...

- New chief in town: Arlen Kantarian has been newly named CEO, Professional Tennis for the USTA. What does this mean exactly? As part of his new duties, Arlen will oversee the development of a new USTA elite player development program, focused on identifying and developing the next generation of American champions. He will still lead the USTA's Professional Tennis operations, and serve as the lead executive overseeing the USTA's involvement in the professional sport, including the US Open, US Open Series, USTA Pro Tour events, U.S. Davis Cup, Fed Cup, and Olympic teams, and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

- Music superstar Sir Elton John and long-time friend Billie Jean King will host the 15th annual Advanta WTT Smash Hits, a special night of tennis featuring superstars including Andy Roddick, Lindsay Davenport and Anna Kournikova. The event, which benefits the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the local charity ActionAIDS, will be held in Philadelphia on Oct. 10. Visit Ticketmaster to purchase tickets to this event and to support AIDS research and charities.

- Getting to know: Stefan Koubek

- If it ain't broke...: In the "What were they thinking?" file, the ATP announced it's 2009 schedule to include the new format of giving tournaments ranking points to determine they're importance (1000 = Master Series level, 500 = Tier II). Is that even correct? We're confused just writing about it...oy...

- Think pink: Daily Racquet has been supporting October's Breast Cancer Awareness month by posting on all things pink and tennis. Check it out!

- Wanna know more about the history of the Lacoste brand? Click here.

- Video vault: Reminisce about the good ol' days of tennis with this great, classic Nike commercial featuring legends Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi playing an improptu set of tennis in a New York City intersection.

Andre Agassi hosts star-studded concert to benefit Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation

Boy, Andre Agassi has some serious pull in the celebrity world. The tennis legend hosted the The Grand Slam for Children concert to benefit the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (AACF). The event raised $9.1 million for the charity - wow.

We've always been impressed with Andre's philanthropic efforts and this is no exception. What we're also impressed with? Steffi Graf and her glamorous makeover, even for just one night. Love it!

Here's a rundown of the starpower that came together to make this event a huge success:

Kelly Clarkson and the Goo Goo Dolls

Carlos Santana & Rob Thomas, matchbox 20

Comedians Jerry Seinfeld & George Wallace

Actresses Tia Carrere & Emily Proctor

VIP sponsors were treated to a pre-concert dinner and live auction. Wanna know what was up for grabs? The exclusive items included a Porsche Cayenne from the Sopranos signed by James Gandolfini and Edie Falco; Robin Williams' movie premiere and after-party; a Dale Chihuly chandelier; an in-home food and wine pairing for 12 with Emeril Lagasse; a special Victoria's Secret fashion show, concert and trip; an evening at a Six Flags park for 500 friends; a Malibu beach adventure and Kreiss backyard furniture; and a state-of-the-art Dellacasa kitchen, Paula Deen cooking lessons and a trip to Sicily, Italy. Other vacation packages included a Costa Rican getaway with private tennis lessons from Agassi and Stefanie Graf, adventures in South Africa and British Columbia; and a Geneva, Switzerland trip to the House of Harry Winston, along with a custom designed Harry Winston watch.

We're not stingy - we'll just take the private tennis lessons with Andre & Steffi, pleassssse!

SEPARATED AT BIRTH: B. Becker vs. N. Kiefer

We think Thailand Open finalist Benjamin Becker, whose greatest claim to fame is defeating Andre Agassi in the final match of his career, is a dead ringer for Germany's Nicolas Kiefer. Conspiracy or coincidence?

Andre Agassi becomes Ambassador of Elegance for Longines

Tennis' favorite philanthropist Andre Agassi, honored with the Eugene L. Scott Award at this past weekend's Legends Ball, is the new ambassador for Longines, a high-end Swiss watch company. Andre will be the "worldwide Ambassador of Elegance" for the watch company; the watch maker will provide support to The Andre Agassi Foundation, beginning at the Grand Slam for Children gala in Las Vegas this October, and will continue throughout the coming year.

Longines' contributions will also include the creation of special limited-edition sport timepieces to benefit The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation.

(via MarketingDaily)

Andre Agassi honored with Eugene L. Scott Award at Legends Ball

Andre Agassi was given the Eugene L. Scott Award during last night's Legends Ball held at Cipriani in New York City. Looking dapper in his all-black suit, the legendary Agassi was presented the award for embodying Scott’s commitment to communicating honestly and critically about the game, and significantly impacting the tennis world. Scott founded Tennis Week magazine and wrote the most widely read and well-respected column about the sport, “Vantage Point.” Last year, John McEnroe received the inaugural award.

Other tennis luminaries in attendance: Stan Smith and Guillermo Vilas

Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, Pam Shriver, and Jim Courier

(images via Getty Images and Cipriani.com)

+ MONDAY NETCORDS: Ana, Lindsay, the Grafassi's pay up...US Open Series sleeps, Bec designs, Nicolay denies and more

(image courtesy of Katie Tegtmeyer)

- Yawnsville: We agree with Tennis-X - the US Open Series has been in a slumber even though it's hitting the FOURTH week. The action heats up on the men's side, though, with The Rogers Cup in Montreal - anyone want to pick against a Federer/Nadal final?

- Looney tune: Nikolay Davydenko, all wrapped up in a betting scandal, vehemently denies the allegations and states he's "flabbergasted" along with his handlers Sylvester, Bugs Bunny, and the Wiley Coyote.

- Ana Ivanovic is recovered from a knee injury and says, ""I'm so ready to play," [...] "Let's go."

- Update on the Grafassi's: Fresh off the news that the dynamic (retired) duo will be featured in a new ad for Louis Vuitton and opening a Fairmont resort hotel in Idaho, word has come that legends Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi will be opening ANOTHER resort in Costa Rica. Price tag: a cool $800 million. Got cash?

- Preview: Stella McCartney for adidas launches the Gym Dance range for Fall/Winter 2007

- Actress/singer/mom/designer? Bec Hewitt, supportive wife to Aussie hothead Lleyton Hewitt, is launching Bec Kidz, a line of children's wear and says, ""It's something I've always wanted to do."

- PHOTO OP: Do they realize she's not playing? Maybe they meant S-H-A-R-A-P-O-V-A. (image courtesy of Peter Bodo's Tennisworld)

+ FRIDAY NETCORDS: Roger vs. Pete, Maria vs. Rafa...Annie Leibovitz shoots the Grafassi's, 2008 Olympics and more

- Catching up with the Grafassi's: Here are some active retirees. Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf are keeping busy these days. The tennis power couple are planning to build a $600 million dollar Fairmont resort hotel in Idaho, equipped with a rock-climbing wall, a machine that simulates kayaking, and a bowling alley, too. As if that weren't enough to keep the mulitple Grand Slammers busy, their mugs will be featured in an upcoming advertising campaign for Parisian fashion label Louis Vuitton along with former Soviet Union president Mikhail S. Gorbachev and shot by famed photog Annie Leibovitz.

- Tennis Diary says "B" girls (that's B-level players) need love too and can play some A-level tennis...what says you?

- John McEnroe and Maria "Shriek"apova were on hand to close out the Newport Beach Breakers tournament. Wanna see them play some doubles? Click here.

- 2008 Olympics update: The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour has agreed to allow players to accrue ranking points at the Olympics, and the total number of participants from a single country has been raised from 4 to 6 (a country can nominate 4 singles players and a separate doubles team if they choose.)

- On a break during the Bank of the West Classic this week Daniela Hantuchova played tennis, both real and the Playstation variety, with race car driver Bruno Junqueira, who is in town to compete in Sunday's third annual San Jose Grand Prix. Was a love connection made?

- Tennis tips from mom: Tennis mom Judy Murray, momma of both Andy and Jamie, explains hardcourt tennis, from how the court effects the ball to winning strategies on this unforgiving surface

- This weekend catch the ending of the World Team Tennis season, featuring the championship match between the Sacramento Capitals against the Springfield Lasers, on RadioTennis.com

- Rafael Nadal vs. Maria "Shriek"apova? It could happen at the inaugural Merdeka Tennis Challenge at the Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam on Nov 18-25. Roger Federer and Pete Sampras are scheduled to play a match, with Rafa's opponent being either Maria or Marcos Baghdatis, both of whom are expected to play exhibition matches.

- Peter Bodo wants to know which men's players you think are "Hott". Submit your list, in order of hottness, now...

(image courtesy of victoriax21)