FEEDBACK: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15

Readers: Agassi can decide not to play Davis Cup

I read your article on line regarding Andre Agassi and I am scratching my head wondering if it was a slow tennis news day, everything your rehashing has been discussed before and the only person that seems to have a problem with it is you. Agassi – unlike Pete Sampras – payed his dues and won many matches for Davis cup. I truly believe he has the right at his age to pick and choose where he plays.

To quote you: "But why he doesn't believe that Davis Cup is no longer an integral part of the health of sport is befuddling." Did Andre ever say that, Mr. Cronin? I highly doubt it! The only health issue is him thinking of his own which he has the right to! Andre Agassi has been one of the most giving people to the sport of tennis on and off the court!

It's also possible that Agassi – who has never played under Patrick McEnroe – doesn't feel he's completely welcome on the team and doesn't want to fiddle with good chemistry between McEnroe, Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish and the Bryan brothers. But Roddick, with whom he is very friendly, went to great lengths on Monday night at the World TeamTennis exhibition in Irvine, Calif. to say that the boys would love to have their best clay courter on the team.

That is shear nonsense! He made a clear decision four years ago not to play anymore. This isn't a personality issue.

For the general health of the game and for Agassi's legacy, that is a sad state of affairs.

Agassi's legacy is already etched in stone, Mr. Cronin, and his dedication to the Davis Cup is very much in that legacy. You have to respect a person's wishes at this point in the game. As a fan from day one, I respect that decision and my only wish is to see him win another major and play well for as long as he can. He has made his fans proud that he is not only a joy to watch but he is an exceptional human being who believes in giving back and making a difference in the world with all that he has been blessed with. That is what is important, Mr. Cronin, is not whether or not he can satisfy your desire to play on clay.

I don't see how you can say that Agassi hasn't done his part for Davis Cup. He has a life to lead and a career to handle. How he prioritizes is his own business. Since he now has a family, and is picking and choosing, don't you think he knows better than you do what he should be doing?

Are you questioning his patriotism? He's played many many DC matches. If he wants to put that part of his career behind him, it's his business. He's given plenty. The others of his generation – the Fab Five – are all retired. He can retire as quick or as slow as he wants according to his schedule. Not yours!

Why should Andre Agassi play Davis Cup if he doesn't want to play? I think your reasoning is flawed at best and judgmental at worst. Agassi does not "owe" it to the US to risk potential injury to play what appears would be a losing final (even if he agreed to play). A man in his mid-30s with two children, a charity organization, a firm and public commitment to education does not need to play Davis Cup to prove his loyalty to his country. I would rather see him in Houston and playing the Masters Series Cup, tournaments and Slams next year … as would most fans, I believe.

Why did you not write similar columns about Lindsay Davenport, Jennifer Capriati, and Serena and Venus Williams when the Fed Cup squad was embarassed earlier this year?

I think your article is ridiculous! And I am not the only one who thinks so. Andre played Davis Cup for this country, when Sampras was so busy readying himself for another Slam to add to his collection. If he feels he has played long enough and is now picking just certain tournaments to play – that is his choice. … I never read where you slammed Pete for his decision to save himself just for the big money Slams! I guess we all know where you’re coming from!

Related newsletter (for subscribers only): Agassi made wrong decision on Davis Cup
Related story: McEnroe did offer Agassi spot on Davis Cup team