Andre Agassi has pulled out of the Sydney Olympics to be with his family.

The defending champion will not bid to add to the gold he won in Barcelona four years ago after announcing his decision on Wednesday.

Agassi's mother and sister are both fighting breast cancer, and the reigning Australian Open champion now wants to spend time with them.

Agassi, who was the top seed for the US Open at Flushing Meadows, made an early exit from that tournament at the hands of Frenchman Arnaud Clement.