A Tennis Stunner: Agassi Defeated by Luke Jensen

Andre Agassi’s bid to regain the No. 1 ranking took a nosedive Wednesday night in a stunning 6-2, 6-4 loss to Luke Jensen, the ambidextrous doubles specialist ranked 419th in the world in singles.

Agassi, who had a chance to regain the top ranking in the Kroger-St. Jude tournament, lost a tournament opener for the first time since August, 1994.

“I just think it’s a tough arena to play in,” Agassi said. “The ball is quick out there. I was coming off the slow court in San Jose.”

Jensen, a former USC player who serves with both hands--frequently on the same point--said, “He’s kicked my butt so many times, I just thought about not ticking him off.”

Agassi lost in Sunday’s final to Pete Sampras in San Jose, leaving Sampras No. 1, Agassi No. 3 and Thomas Muster, who is taking the week off, No. 2. Earlier Wednesday, top-seeded Sampras beat Richey Reneberg, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4).