| | Reuters
NEW YORK -- World No. 1 Andre Agassi, whose game
has slipped since January, revealed in an interview on Tuesday
that he has been preoccupied because both his mother and a
sister are battling breast cancer.
After his first-round U.S. Open victory over Alex Kim on
Monday night, Agassi told CBS television about his younger
sister, Tammee, and his mother, Elizabeth.
"It has been a difficult year in many respects with my
sister having breast cancer and my mom was diagnosed with it
just a month ago," Agassi told CBS. "It hasn't been easy, but
in many ways it has gotten the family stronger and close."
"And it has given me the perspective, that unfortunately
sometimes only certain tragedies can bring, that I am trying to
utilize in a positive way," Agassi said in the interview, which
was aired Tuesday.
"My concentration hasn't been the easiest, but I think it
is getting better."
Agassi started the year on a high note, winning his sixth
Grand Slam trophy at the Australian Open. But since that time,
his concentration often has seemed to wander. His only trip to
a final since January was a losing effort to Spaniard Alex
Corretja at the Washington tournament 10 days ago.
While the 30-year-old Agassi admits it is difficult not to
be at home paying attention to personal matters, he also knows
that as he nears the twilight of his career, he should not
waste any opportunities.
"I don't have another shot at this," Agassi said. "I've
been through it once before when I've kind of disappeared for a
little bit," he said, of his ranking plummeting in the past.
"I need to keep my momentum for as long as possible and
give myself a look at the basket for as long as possible.
Sometimes it's not that easy, but I feel if I keep my lows a
little higher than before, I'll be OK."
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