It’s official — Agassi not going to Sydney

Thursday, Sept. 7, 2000 | 1:48 a.m.

Distracted by the illnesses of his mother and sister, Las Vegan Andre Agassi withdrew from the Olympics.

Agassi, the defending gold medalist in the tennis competition, sent word to the United States Tennis Association that he would not go to Sydney, citing "personal reasons" for his decision.

The No. 1 player in the world revealed during the U.S. Open that his mother and sister are battling breast cancer.

"As a consequence of a family medical situation, I will not be able to participate in the upcoming Sydney Olympics," Agassi said in a statement released Wednesday by the USTA. "My time and attention should be with my family during this period."

After winning the Australian Open, Agassi struggled through a difficult summer, eliminated in the second rounds of both the French Open and U.S. Open, tournaments in which he was the defending champion. He reached the semifinals at Wimbledon before losing to Patrick Rafter.

With the opening ceremonies for the Sydney Games just over a week away, no replacement was immediately named for Agassi. His spot would be offered first to the players who previously turned down an invitation, Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras and Jan-Michael Gambill. If they decline, the next player who would be asked to join the team is Chris Woodruff.