Four-times champion Andre Agassi breezed into the second round of the Australian Open on Monday, dismissing fears a niggling hip injury would prevent him from making another tilt at the title.
The 34-year-old had been a doubtful starter after suffering the injury four days ago, but moved freely as he made light work of German qualifier Dieter Kindlmann 6-4, 6-3, 6-0.
"Today, I woke up feeling the best yet since it's happened," the American said.
"And with the assurance that I'm not going to sort of pull anything bad, I had the green light to push through anything I might be feeling.
"I just pushed through a bit of stiffness, and then I felt like it loosened up nicely and I was okay."
Agassi had looked as if he might be forced to skip the season-opening Grand Slam event when he suffered the injury against compatriot Andy Roddick at the Kooyong Classic on Thursday.
HIGH EXPECTATION
But a hastily-arranged exhibition match with Briton Tim Henman on Saturday and a good practice session the following day convinced him he would be able to compete, and Agassi gave world number 173 Kindlmann a lesson in hardcourt tennis.
"No one was more concerned than myself," said eighth seed Agassi. "I'd worked hard to be down here and ready.
"But the last few days, I've pushed through the injury and it seemed to do pretty good."
Joking that he might have to take anti-inflammatories for the rest of his life, Agassi said he had been told he should improve throughout the tournament.
"There's high expectation for me to sort of negotiate this stage of it and get better," said Agassi, who could meet champion and world number one Roger Federer in the quarter-finals.
"I mean, today was great to be on the court for three sets. But, you know, again, with anti-inflammatory and a little treatment, I think I can get myself to 100 percent.
"Getting through today the way I did, not feeling it like I was hoping not to feel it, leaves me in a better position to push it the day after tomorrow.
"Tendons are a lot more manageable than muscle strains or tears."
Agassi won the title in 1995, 2000, 2001 and 2003.
