Agassi Struggles in Victory

With a healed wrist and a new coach, Andre Agassi held off qualifier Cecil Mamiit, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-2, Tuesday in the first round of the Siebel Open.

Wearing a white wristband, the second-seeded Agassi struggled against his first-round challenger. He broke Mamiit to go up, 6-5, in the first set, but the 25-year-old forced the tiebreaker--and then climbed back from a 5-2 deficit.

Agassi regained his composure, easily taking the next two sets.

Looking on was Agassi’s new coach, Darren Cahill. After eight years, Agassi parted ways with Brad Gilbert earlier this month.

Agassi hurt his wrist in an exhibition match against Pete Sampras just before the Australian Open earlier this year.

Also in the first round, fourth-seeded Jan-Michael Gambill had 11 aces in his 6-2, 6-3 victory over Jan Vacek.

Todd Martin beat Christophe Rochus of Belgium, 6-3, 6-2; Brazilian Andre Sa defeated Noam Okun of Israel, 6-4, 6-0; and Armenian Sargis Sargsian beat Alex Kim, 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (7).