Agassi says used crystal meth - report

Wed, Oct 28 08:22 AM

Eight-times Grand Slam winner Andre Agassi admits to using the recreational drug crystal meth in his new autobiography, People magazine's website reported on Tuesday.

The magazine said it and Sports Illustrated would be running an excerpt from Agassi's book 'Open' on Friday, which refers to the drug use.

Agassi writes in the book that he began regularly using crystal meth, an addictive synthetic stimulant, in the late 1990's, People reported on their website (http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20315711,00.html).

"I can't speak to addiction, but a lot of people would say that if you're using anything as an escape, you have a problem," Agassi was quoted as writing.

Agassi, a former world number one and four-times winner of the Australian Open, retired from tennis after the 2006 U.S Open.

Agassi, 39, said he was not worried about the impact of his admissions on his fans.

"I was worried for a moment, but not for long.

"I wore my heart on my sleeve and my emotions were always written on my face. I was actually excited about telling the world the whole story."

(Reporting by Simon Evans in Miami; Editing by Greg Stutchbury; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

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