Agassi Miami Withdrawal Speeds Retirement Speculation

Pain from a sciatic nerve injury has felled the American numerous times over the last few months. Cortisone injections seemed to keep the injury at bay for the better part of 2005, but have been less effective toward the end of last year. In January Agassi skipped the Australian Open, then pulled from the ATP San Jose event, also suffering late last year with a twisted ankle.

"I really, really want to (play)," Agassi told reporters in Miami. "I plan on it. I'm optimistic about it. But I have to also call it like it is right now. Is it possible that I can't anymore? It's definitely possible...I'm hoping the decisions I make over the next several months will put my body in a better place."

After blowing set points then going away in the second set against Tommy Haas at the previous tour stop in Indian Wells, Agassi was at his most despondent.

"It's been a long time since I've felt good on the court," Agassi said after the Indian Wells loss. "It's just getting tiring, that's all. It never feels good when you're losing often. You know, to have a few good wins and have a good tournament would help me, remind me right now why I'm doing this. But as of right now it's hard to feel that thrilled about it."

In Indian Wells, Agassi surprisingly announced he would be available for next month's U.S. Davis Cup challenge on grass, hosting Chile. U.S. captain Patrick McEnroe would have been faced with a tough decision, potentially bouncing James Blake from the team, but now it appears the decision has been made for him.

The announcement is simply an early vacation for Agassi, who previously said he would likely skip most if not all of the claycourt season, which begins after Miami.

Agassi had competed in Miami/Key Biscayne over the last 19 consecutive years.

"I love playing here -- a lot of memories, a lot of great matches," Agassi told reporters. "This is disappointing. It would have been nice to be here, but it's not worth being less than my best."