DCist cannot tell a lie. We were more than a little disappointed (although somewhat elated as we had yet to purchase tickets) to hear that Andre Agassi has withdrawn from this year’s Legg Mason Tennis Classic to better focus on the upcoming US Open. Agassi, a five time champion of the event, won his first tournament of the year last weekend in Los Angeles and opted to take this week off, lest his back problems flare up again. This will mark the first time since 1990 that Agassi has not played the event.

His withdrawl leaves fellow American Andy Roddick as the marquee name in the event, although if you ask us, the potential second round match between DCist fave Paradorn Srichaphan and Brit demi-god Tim Henman might be the best match of the week. Play begins today at 4 p.m.; Roddick’s match against Ecuador’s Giovanni Lapentti is third on the bill. Other men’s notables in action tonight include Henman, Mark Philippoussis and Robby Ginepri, who beat Roddick in the semifinals of Indianapolis two weeks ago.

The tournament runs through August 7th and all matches are played at the William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center, located at 16th & Kennedy Streets, NW in Rock Creek Park. Spectators are encouraged to take public transportation to the tournament site. There is free shuttle service from the Van Ness-UDC metro stop or you can take the S2 or S4 Metrobus. Click here for ticket info.