Agassi Will Play in Davis Cup Matches Against Mexico Feb. 1-3

Andre Agassi and Aaron Krickstein will play singles when the United States begins defense of its Davis Cup title with a first-round match against Mexico in Mexico City on Feb. 1-3. Although the United States Tennis Assn. won’t officially announce the team members until Monday, it’s also been learned that Rick Leach and Jim Pugh will play doubles.

Agassi’s decision to play the first-round match is somewhat of a surprise since the No. 4-ranked player had hinted at the U. S. Open that he would cut back his participation in Davis Cup.

The choice of Krickstein, ranked No. 20, over Open champion Pete Sampras, ranked No. 5, is also a mild surprise, although Sampras is ailing and would not be prepared. In addition, Krickstein is a Davis Cup veteran whereas Sampras would have to make his debut on a foreign court.

Mexico has not announced its team.

In another unexpected move, the first-round match will not be played on clay, but on a hard court at the German Club in Mexico City, which seems to ensure the appearance of Luis Herrera, ranked No. 105, as one of Mexico’s singles players. Herrera, who favors faster surfaces, is Mexico’s top ranked player.

If the United States wins, its next match will be either at Canada or at home against Spain.