Andre Agassi, seen here during his loss to Rafael Nadal in the final at the Montreal event, will not defend his title at this week's 2.45-million-dollar Cincinnati Masters after pulling out. (AFP)

Andre Agassi will not defend his title at this week's 2.45-million-dollar Cincinnati Masters after pulling out following a loss to Rafael Nadal in the final at the Montreal event.

Cincinnati officials said they received a call Sunday night from Perry Rogers, manager of the 35-year-old player, informing them that Agassi would not compete.

While not giving a reason, Agassi had hinted after his 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 loss to world number two Nadal that he might have to pace himself with the US Open starting August 29.

The holder of 60 career titles lifted his last a fortnight ago in Los Angeles, but then took a third pain-killing injection this year for a sciatic nerve problem in his back.

Agassi won Cincinnati last year over Australian Lleyton Hewitt. Roger Federer, playing for the first time since winning a third consecutive Wimbledon title, heads the field ahead of Nadal and Hewitt.

Agassi,ranked sixth, holds three Cincinnati titles.

(Agencies)