MADRID, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Andre Agassi was handed the crown at the $2.33million Tennis Masters Series - Madrid on Sunday when Jiri Novak withdrew from the final with a groin injury.
Agassi, the second-seeded American, claimed his third Tennis Masters Series title of the year and 15th of his career. He is the first player ever to win TMS events on clay (Roma), on outdoor hard courts (Miami), and indoors (Madrid) in one year.
With his fifth tournament victory, the 32-year-old American took over the ATP lead in titles after being tied with world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt and Carlos Moya. He also stands just 43 points behind Hewitt for top spot in the ATP Champions Race, giving him a chance at overtaking the Australian for the No. 1 ranking at the end of the year.
Novak told tournament officials he was suffering with a thigh injury. The 11th seed from the Czech Republic was declared unfit to play after an assessment from doctors. Medical tests revealed he tore a muscle in the top of his right thigh during Saturday's semifinal victory over Fabrice Santoro.
"I am terribly sorry, but I got hurt at the end of yesterday's game against Santoro and this morning I woke up with a pain in my leg which means I can't play," Novak told the crowd at the Rockodromo arena. "It's a shame for me and for everyone."
Novak was looking for his first title of the year. He also was hoping to qualify for the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai, but now is questionable for the TMS in Paris in two weeks.
"It's very unfortunate that things like this happen in sport," said Agassi, who picked up $402,000. "I only found out at 11:30 this morning when the tournament referee informed me. This is a real disappointing way for the tournament to end, but nobody is more disappointed than Novak."
