Agassi withdraws from Canadian Open

Toronto/Los Angeles: Andre Agassi has withdrawn from next week's Canadian Open.

Three-time winner of the Masters event and runner-up last year in Montreal, the tournament was to be Agassi's final appearance in Canada before the eight-time grand slam winner retires at the US Open.

"I regret to inform Toronto that I will not be playing in the Rogers Cup," Agassi said in a statement on Friday.

"I have many great memories in Canada and wish you continued success. It's a fantastic tournament."

No official reason was given for Agassi's decision to pull out of the event, which begins on Monday.

"He was a finalist last year in Montreal and was not able to compete the following week in Cincinnati," said tournament director Grant Connell.

"This year he decided to switch events. We are disappointed that he will not be able to play one last time in Toronto but understand his situation," Connell added.

Nine of the world's top 10 players will be in the Canadian draw, including world number one Roger Federer and French Open champion Rafael Nadal.

In another incident, Venus Williams has withdrawn from next week's Los Angeles Open due to a left wrist injury, tournament organisers said.

"I regret not having the opportunity to compete in Los Angeles where so many of my friends and fans live," Williams said in a statement on Friday.

Williams, who holds the world-rank number 32, also withdrew from this week's Acura Classic in San Diego.

She has played only eight tournaments this year and failed to defend her Wimbledon title when she was upset in the third round by Jelena Jankovic.

Williams, who has sustained three separate arm injuries, is now in danger of being unseeded at the US Open.

Williams's sister Serena and former number one Lindsay Davenport are still due to make their returns from injury in Los Angeles.