Tennis: Agassi finds a willing partner

Andre Agassi's short-notice unexpected appearance in the men's doubles tournament on Friday night resulted in a three-set first-round victory over Alejandro Hernandez and Oscar Ortiz, of Mexico. Agassi, who was replacing the injured Richey Reneberg, and the Wimbledon singles finalist MaliVai Washington enjoyed some friendly banter on the way to seeing off the determined challenge of the Mexican pair 6-3 4-6 6-4.

Although the Americans faltered in the second set and betrayed their lack of experience as a pair, Agassi said they communicated well without using the hand signals adopted by the top teams. "It is never my idea to look at Mal's ass when I am about to serve," explained the former Wimbledon champion, who has struggled for form of late. "It kind of distracts me a little bit." Agassi said he had no problem playing doubles, even if it meant jeopardising his chances in the singles. "It was an easy decision for me because we don't have a shot at a medal if I don't play," he said.