Tennis: Agassi joins exodus

Andre Agassi has pulled out of Wimbledon with a wrist injury he suffered earlier this year. His decision means that seven out of the world's top 20 men have scratched from this year's singles event.

The flamboyant American has not played for more than two months since losing to Sweden's Magnus Norman in the second round in Atlanta. He has lost in the first round in four of his last five tournaments.

It is the end of a year which has seen Agassi plunge to No 29 in the world and miss the Australian, French and Italian Opens. With Steffi Graf having pulled out of the women's tournament following a knee injury it means many of the world's leading players will be missing.

Agassi's exit comes hard on the heels of the withdrawals of Thomas Muster, the world No 4, Alex Corretja (7), Sergi Bruguera (8), Thomas Enquist (9), Albert Costa (14), Alberto Berasategui (15) and Felix Mantilla (16). Last year's runner-up, Mal Washington, who is ranked 35, has also pulled out through injury.