Agassi Pulls Out of the Toronto Masters

The Canadians will not get to see Andre Agassi on their tennis court again. Announcing his retirement as soon as the US Open ends, the American decided to pull out of the Toronto Masters this week. Much like his compatriot Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi wants to focus only on the Flushing Meadows tournament later this month. Still, he gave no reason for his abandoning the Canadian race.

"I regret to inform Toronto that I will not be playing in the Rogers Cup. I have many great memories in Canada and wish you continued success. It's a fantastic tournament", said the American. Agassi won the Toronto title 3 times in the past, and managed to get into last year's final. After two tournaments played in the last two weeks, Agassi wants to take his final rest before the US Open.

And the Canadians were very disappointed with his decision. "He was a finalist last year in Montreal and was not able to compete the following week in Cincinnati. This year he decided to switch events. We are disappointed that he will not be able to play one last time in Toronto but understand his situation", said the tournament manager, Grant Connell.

And we could say Agassi is better off the Canadian tournament, since surprises already started to occur. Argentine ace David Nalbandian lost his first round appearance against qualifier and 33-year old Italian Davide Sanguinetti. Nalbandian lost 6-1, 6-2 and made the earliest exit from all seeded players.

And, with both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the Toronto Masters is thought to be a tough test for every tennis player before the US Open. No less than 9 players from the ATP Top 10 are playing in Canada, which makes the tournament one of the most successful ones in years.