Stars
Agassi apologizes for poking fun at Sampras
(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-03-16 09:19
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 Andre Agassi (L) of the US and Rafael Nadal of Spain smile together on the court as they play an exhibition doubles match against Roger Federer of Switzerland and Pete Sampras of the US during the Hit for Haiti fund raiser event at the Indian Wells WTA and ATP tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, March 12, 2010. [Agencies] |
INDIAN WELLS, California: Andre Agassi told ESPN.com he was "out of line" and apologized for poking fun at Pete Sampras during a charity match last week.
Longtime rivals Agassi and Sampras were wearing microphones during the match, and the crowd at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California could hear an exchange that started lighthearted but turned testy.
At one point Sampras mimicked Agassi's pigeon-toed walk, which drew laughs from the crowd.
Then Agassi chided Sampras for being stingy. In his book, Agassi criticized Sampras for being a poor tipper.
Sampras responded with a high, hard serve that forced Agassi, who was partnering Rafael Nadal, to duck.
"It was out of line," Agassi told ESPN.com on Monday. "It was inappropriate. The night was on fire. We were all having fun. I was trying to be comedic. I only had a split second to make a decision. I went for it and it fell flat. I was trying to get past it, but Pete didn't really let me get past it. He didn't really roll with it. I've texted Pete to ask him if I can apologize in person."
"The joke fell flat and I'm sorry," he added. "My hope was that the night was still enjoyable."
A capacity crowd of 16,100 filled the stadium for the Hit for Haiti fund-raising exhibition Friday night.
The event helped raise $1 million to aid relief efforts in the earthquake-ravaged island nation.
