Agassi Pays Penalty in Early Withdrawal

After withdrawing Friday from the Nasdaq-100 Open because of a continuing back injury, Andre Agassi’s next move is a giant question mark. It appears his tennis career is not only in its final chapter, but maybe on the last page.

The spirit is willing, though, even as his back rebels.

Speaking of playing again, he said at a news conference: “I’m hopeful for it. I’m optimistic about it. But I have to also call it like it is right now. Is it possible that I can’t anymore? It’s definitely possible.”

Agassi had already eliminated the clay-court season from his schedule, in part in an effort to play Wimbledon again. But the low bounces on grass are particularly wearing on his back problem, a sciatic nerve injury that has required cortisone shots in the past.

A difficult practice on Thursday contributed to Agassi’s decision to miss this event for the first time in two decades. He has won six titles here.

“My back had spasmed,” said Agassi, who will turn 36 next month. “Muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatories -- it’s commonplace for me these days. You know, my rotation was an issue. Hitting and striking the ball well, and certainly movement. Then it gets to your mind. You know you’re not happy. That shouldn’t be the case.”

His play has been sporadic and spotty in 2006. Agassi missed the Australian Open in January, lost to Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain in the quarterfinals at Delray Beach, went out in the second round to Bjorn Phau in Dubai. Most recently, he struggled in his first match at Indian Wells, winning in three sets against Paul Goldstein and exiting against Tommy Haas in the next round after holding two set points in the opening set.

He said he has been dealing with the back problems for four years. And as well as Agassi played in reaching the U.S. Open final in September, losing to Roger Federer in four sets, he revealed the toll that special run took on his body.

“You could probably even go back to the tapes of the ceremony and you’ll see me, as I cool down, stand on one leg and start to lean,” Agassi said. “I almost put my arms around Roger.”