Tennis: Agassi doubt for Aussie Open

Andre Agassi's assault on a fifth Australian Open title could be scuppered by a hip injury. The Las Vegan was anxiously awaiting the results of an MRI scan to determine the extent of the problem. Currently ranked at number eight in the world, Agassi was forced to pull out of a clash with fellow American Andy Roddick at the Kooyong Classic on Thursday. Roddick had just held serve to lead 6-5 when Agassi approached him at the change-over to explain that pain high on the front of his right leg would mean he couldn't finish the match.

"That wasn't comfortable out there today, what I was feeling, so I'll have to wait and see what I'm dealing with to be honest," he told the Australian Daily Telegraph.

"The good news is that it didn't just tear, it was tightening up and that can be your body protecting itself, which is hopefully more of the issue.

"It's a pretty scary feeling out there when something doesn't feel right and it's getting worse by the minute."

Tournament physiotherapist Rob Hanna, who spoke with Agassi at courtside and advised him to stop, is less concerned than the 34-year-old about his ability to challenge at Melbourne Park next week.

He stated: "It's a superficial hip flexor rather than a deep one, which has a better short-term prognosis.

"I wouldn't rule him out for the Open."

Sportinglife