Agassi Heads Field After Roddick Exit at ATP Stockholm

Posted on October 25, 2004

Andre Agassi leads the field at the ATP stop in Stockholm this week after the withdrawal by fellow American Andy Roddick (knee injury), joined among the top seeds by Joachim "Pim-Pim" Johansson, Andrei Pavel, Tommy Haas, Feliciano "F-Lo" Lopez, Robin Soderling, Tomas Berdych, and Fernando "Hot Sauce" Verdasco.

After losing in the semifinals last week to eventual winner Marat Safin at the Masters Series-Madrid, a Stockholm title would go a long way in helping the former No. 1 Agassi qualify for one of the remaining spots at the year-end Masters Cup.

Opening-round matches of interest on the indoor hardcourts are (1) Agassi vs. hard-hitting Belgian Kristof Vliegen, (8) Hot Sauce vs. Robby "Baby Courier" Ginepri, (6) Soderling vs. Swedish countryman Thomas Enqvist, and (5) F-Lo vs. Jeff "Baby Krajicek" Morrison.

Returning champs in the field are Paradorn "The Thai Fighter" Srichaphan (2002), Sjeng Schalken (2001), Thomas Johansson (2000), three-time winner Thomas Enqvist (1999,'96-95), and Jonas Bjorkman (1997).

On court Monday in Stockholm are Nieminen vs. Gambill, Calleri vs. (3) Pavel, T.Johansson vs. Malisse, and Ginepri vs. (8) Verdasco.