LONDON, Aug. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- Former world number one Andre Agassi returns to the US Open next week for what could be his final appearance at a grand slam after nineteen years strutting into Flushing Meadows as a teenage debutant.

    Now 35 and suffering from a sciatic nerve problem, the Las Vegan has dropped several hints he will drag his aching limbs off the ATP Tour and retire at the end of the year.

    "As much as I want to get out there and do the best I can, you will not see me on the court anymore if I'm not 100 percent," the eight-time grand slam champion vowed last week. He also admitted that he had worked too hard in tennis court and now he need a rest.

    It seemed doubtful Agassi would make it to Flushing Meadows after he withdrew from Wimbledon in June due to his back condition.

    By winning the Los Angeles Open and then reaching the final of the Montreal Masters in August, Agassi showed that age and creaking joints have not dulled his lightning reflexes and natural instinct.

    However, a full two-week, best-of-five-sets grand slam fortnight is a different matter for the American who is using costisone injections to numb the pain. The backing he can expect from the New York crowd will also strengthen him.

    "The US Open is different," he said. "Every one is unique to itself. I do look forward to the Open's personality. It's a great place to play.

    In 1986 on his US Open debut, a 16-year-old Agassi lost in the first round to Briton Jeremy Bates, collecting 2,816 US dollars to spend on the peroxide streaks in his hair and garish T-shirts that would soon become his trademark. Enditem