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Family before country for McEnroe

Saying that family is more important than the Olympics, John McEnroe turned down an offer to coach the US Olympics men’s tennis team.

His replacement will be Stan Smith, a former Wimbledon and US Open champion.

Mc Enroe, who also coaches the US Davis Cup team. declined the offer because his six children will be starting school, and he didn't want to be away from them for so long since he will also be working as a television commentator at the US Open, which ends on September 10. The fiery three-time Wimbledon champ has been coach at each of the past three Olympics.

Stan Smith regards his appointment as an honour, though he was a bit surprised to get the request. "It's special to be representing the United States, especially outside the United States." The 53-year-old Smith played Davis Cup for 11 years and was a member of seven championship teams.

His first task as Olympic coach will be to persuade Pete Sampras to join the team, which won't be easy. Sampras didn't play at Atlanta in 1996 and has already stated that he won't be at Sydney.

"If he were going to decline, I'm going to give him a call and see whether there's a possibility he might reconsider," Smith said. "It's the opportunity of a lifetime. Those who have played and done well, it's the highlight of their lives and their tennis careers."

Andre Agassi, the current holder of the gold medal, has confirmed that he will be defending his medal. The other singles players for the US are going to be Michael Chang, Todd Martin and - if Sampras declines - Jan-Michael Gambill.