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.
