Agassi to Skip $6-Million ITF Tourney

Andre Agassi today joined Boris Becker and John McEnroe in snubbing the $6-million Grand Slam Cup, the richest tournament in tennis history.

The Grand Slam Cup, scheduled for Dec. 11-16 in Munich, has raised controversy by offering record prize money. The winner in the 16-man field will earn $2 million.

Agassi, ranked fourth in the world, originally signed to play in the inaugural event but gave no reason for skipping the tournament.

“After careful consideration, I have decided that I will not compete in the Grand Slam Cup,” he said in a one-sentence statement distributed to reporters.

Agassi is in Frankfurt competing at the ATP Tour World Championships, which includes the eight top-ranked players in the world. The ATP Tour has opposed the Grand Slam Cup, which it sees as a rival to its season-ending tournament.

The Grand Slam Cup is being organized by the International Tennis Federation and the directors of the four Grand Slam tournaments.

Agassi’s withdrawal leaves six of the top 10 players still signed up.

Pete Sampras, the U.S. Open champion who is ranked fifth, said Wednesday that he is not certain if he will play in Munich. Sampras said his participation depends on how his shin splints feel.