Injured Sampras pulls out

Sampras withdrew from a tournament in Indianapolis two weeks ago because of a hip injury. He apparently injured his back during practice on Sunday and asked US Open officials to delay his first-round match until tomorrow.Then today, he pulled out.

8220;The good part is that we discovered it early,8221; Hainline said. 8220;A large herniated disc could8217;ve jeopardized his future, so it8217;s good we caught it early.8221;

The withdrawal of Sampras, the Wimbledon champion, makes Andre Agassi the tournament favourite. The second-seeded Agassi began his quest under the lights last night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Seeking his third consecutive Grand Slam tournament final, the second-seededAgassi capped the opening day of the year8217;s final Grand Slam tournament last night with a 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 thrashing of Sweden8217;s Nicklas Kulti. In the first upset of Day Two, sixth seed Tim Henman of Britain lost in straight sets to Guillermo Canas of Argentina 6-7, 4-6, 3-6.