Former Australian Open champion Andre Agassi says he is as hungry as ever to claim the tournament for the fifth time later this month.
"The second the hunger goes it's impossible [to compete]," a fit-looking Agassi told the crowd at the Australian women's hardcourt championship at the Gold Coast on Thursday.
The American was talking after a mini exhibition with Australia's former Davis Cup player Scott Draper during a break between matches.
"I'm 34 years old, going on 35 [on April 29] this year, and unless I'm working harder and am as eager as ever there's no chance.
"But I'm here with the intention of bringing my best and winning and that's what I'm shooting for."
Agassi will join world number one and defending Australian Open champion Roger Federer in the eight-man field for the round-robin Kooyong Classic event in Melbourne from January 12-15.
The Australian Open starts in Melbourne on January 17.
The shaven-headed Agassi has won the US Open in 1994 and 1999, Wimbledon in 1992 and the French Open in 1999, plus four Australian Open titles in 1995, 2000, 2001 and 2003.
