Recurring back problems will keep Andre Agassi out of the BB&T Atlanta Open this year, but John McEnroe will take his spot in the Atlanta Open field.
McEnroe will face Sergi Bruguera on July 31 in the event, held again this year at Atlantic Station.
Agassi’s appearance in the event this year would have been significant given that this is the 20th anniversary of the Atlanta Olympic Games. Agassi won the gold medal in the Games that year.
“In order to avoid further injury, I have decided there is a need to step back and take a break from competitive tennis,” stated Agassi said in a statement released by the Atlanta Open. “It’s been a great run and I will always cherish the memories of playing in Atlanta and at the 1996 Olympic Games. I know John will put on a great show for the fans in my absence.”
This year’s Atlanta Open will include an exhibit commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 1996 Olympics. Event officials expect 1996 Olympians Gail Devers, Kayla Harrison, Brooke Bennett, Kent Steffes, Gigi Fernandez and Nancy Kerrigan to make appearances during the Atlanta Open, which runs from July 30-Aug. 7.
