A return to No.1 for Agassi

HOUSTON - Andre Agassi became the oldest men's player to be ranked No.1 in the world as he advanced to the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships final with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Jurgen Melzer on Saturday night.

By Compiled from Times wires
© St. Petersburg Times
published April 27, 2003

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Agassi's victory gave him enough points to surpass Lleyton Hewitt and regain the top spot for the first time since Sept.10, 2000, when he was replaced by Pete Sampras.

"It feels amazing; I feel I've forgotten what it's like," said Agassi, who turns 33 Tuesday.

Agassi replaced Jimmy Connors as the oldest to hold the top spot. Connors was No.1 at 30 years, 10 months in 1983.

"I don't think I could quite find the words," Agassi said. "It's the result of a lot of hard work and decisionmaking, a lot of success in many differentarenas against many different opponents. It's a bit overwhelming to have it come together at one moment."

Today Agassi faces two-time champ Andy Roddick, a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 winner over Olivier Mutis.

Williamses open steady

LOWELL, Mass. - Venus and Serena Williams gave the United States a commanding lead in its Fed Cup opener. Top-ranked Serena Williams recovered from a tough first set against Iveta Benesova to win 7-5, 6-1. Venus Williams routed Daja Bedanova 6-1, 6-0. The Americans can advance to the quarters with a win today.

DAVENPORT MARRIES: Lindsay Davenport married an investment banker and former Southern Cal player. Davenport, 26, and Jonathan Leach, 30, wed Friday on a beach in Hawaii.

OPEN SEAT GODO: Marat Safin beat top-seeded Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-4, 6-3, advancing to the final in Barcelona, Spain. Carlos Moya was a 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 winner over Agustin Calleri.

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