Agassi: Cancer Strikes Mom, Sister

By Stephen M. Silverman

08/03/1998 at 12:00 AM EDT

Andre Agassi told a TV interviewer last night that both his mother, Elizabeth, and his younger sister, Tammee, are currently battling breast cancer. "It has been a very difficult year in many respects, with my sister having breast cancer and my mom was diagnosed with it just a month ago," Agassi, 30, the world's No. 1-ranked tennis player, told CBS. "It hasn't been easy, but in many ways it has gotten the family stronger and close. And it has given me the perspective that, unfortunately, sometimes only certain tragedies can bring." Agassi played his first round of the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadow, N.Y., last night. "My concentration hasn't been the easiest," he said, "but I think it's getting better." (Agassi beat Alex Kim, 21, in straight sets: 6-4, 6-2, 6-0.)