Andre Agassi was back in action in the third round of the US Open early Sunday. The 36-year-old American, who is playing in his last tournament before retiring, had been the focus of attention during a rain-hit first week as he battled chronic back pain to keep his career going a few days longer.
Agassi had been in agony following his thrilling five-sets win over eighth seed Macros Baghdatis late Thursday, but was accorded a day's respite on Saturday as rain and wind washed out play.
He practised briefly indoors and then had a anti-inflammatory injection, none-cortisone, to alleviate the pain in his lower back. "It beats the alternative," Agassi said of the injections. "I'll be all right. I don't need sympathy."
He probably would not get any from third round opponent, Benjamim Becker, a 25-year-old German who will be playing on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court by far the biggest match of his, so far, unremarkable career.
Injury permitting, Agassi was expected to win through for a potential fourth round showdown with compatriot Andy Roddick, a former US Open champions who has struggled this year but is showing signs under new coach Jimmy Connors that he is getting back to his best.
The ninth seeded Roddick takes on Spain's Fernando Verdasco in the match after the Agassi tie. Saturday's washout means that a packed programme has been scheduled for Sunday with both men's and women's top seeds demoted to the Louis Armstrong court. Amelie Mauresmo goes up against Mara Santangelo of Italy, while Roger Federer has drawn veteran American Vince Spadea whom he last played seven years ago when he was just 18 and newly arrived on the ATP tour.
His main rival, second seeded Rafael Nadal, takes on South African surprise Wesley Moodie, while Maria Sharapova has a night session challenge against fellow Russian Elena Likhovtseva.
US Open organisers said that desite losing two days to rain during the first week, they were confident they would have the schedule back on track by the end of play on Monday, the Labour Day holiday in the United States.
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