Andre Agassi/Getty Images

Agassi, Rusedski Advance to Round Three

August 10, 2005 - Veteran Andre Agassi, 35, reached the third round of the Rogers Cup in Montreal, defeating Swedish veteran and doubles specialist Jonas Bjorkman, 6-1, 3-6, 6-2.

On Thursday, the fourth seeded American faces Germany's Nicolas Kiefer, who eliminated American Taylor Dent in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4.

Agassi, who has a relatively easy draw thanks to the forfeit of second seeded Australian Lleyton Hewitt, doesn't take his next match lightly.

“That's going to be a tough match,” he said. “These are tough conditions, quick courts, windy. He's a quick-court kind of player. He uses the pace really well, moves the ball around, moves exceptionally well, counterpunches really well, too. I'm going to have my hands full. I'm going to have to be hitting my shots and not hesitating.”

Rusedski advances

For the first time since 1992, former Montrealer Greg Rusedski, now of Great Britain, has reached the third round in Canada. He defeated the Giant from Belarus, Max Mirnyi, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (2), in a match that lasted two hours and 13 minutes. Rusedski was warmly welcomed by the fans at Stade Uniprix.

“I was really pleased,” said Rusedski. “As I say, I had ups and downs in my career. The older you get, time passes on, people forgive and move on. It was really nice. I enjoyed the reception I got and the support from the public. It was great.”

In the next round, the Brit takes on Croatia's Mario Ancic, who knocked off Florent Serra of France in three sets.

Before the rain interrupted afternoon play, fifth seeded Russian Nikolay Davydenko stopped Czech Tomas Berdych in three sets and sixth seed Gaston Gaudio of Argentine did the same against Dane Kenneth Carlsen.

One of the most accessible tournaments

The Rogers Cup presented by National Bank is more accessible than ever thanks to the Uniprix Zone, Neighbourhood Day, and Tide & Downy Family Day.

Excellent tickets are still available for all sessions on Centre Court and for the National Bank Court. Tickets start at just $10, with the final weekend starting at just $40. For more information on this tournament or to buy tickets, call (514) 273-1515 (toll free 1-866-338-2685).

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