Agassi said back in January he would try to persuade Graf to play the mixed doubles at the French Open, as Navratilova has been with Leander Paes.

But Graf was not to be cajoled into it.

"I would have loved to play Andre and Steffi," said Navratilova, who won the Australian Open mixed doubles crown for her 57th Grand Slam title.

WHO'S COUNTING? Andre Agassi says the business of winning major titles and defying age is what keeps him going at 33.

Asked to comment on the hoary debate about equal prize money for the men and women and the size of winners' paycheques Agassi brushed the matter aside as not a priority - but added he was well aware that tennis players are richly rewarded compared to most other walks of life.

"My prayer is that I never get to a point where I think hundreds of thousands of dollars isn't a lot of money."

STILL FEELS LIKE HOME FOR WILANDER Swedish men's triple champion Mats Wilander, winner here in 1982, 85 and 88, says the centre court here still feels like home.

Wilander, who was beaten by Yannick Noah in the 1983 final for the last win by the host country and who is here for the 'Legends Trophy', said it always felt great to come back.

"It's great to play at Roland Garros. I love the courts. Playing on these courts brings back memories. Centre court still feels the way it did 20 years ago. The big stadium at the US Open doesn't mean anything to me."

MANTILLA'S THE DADDY OF THEM ALL Andre Agassi may be the oldest swinger in town at Roland Garros - but Spaniard Felix Mantilla is the daddy of them all when it comes to which racquet he chooses.

The ultra-light model, which is designed to limit vibrations in the serving arm, is supposed to be marketed for pensioners enjoying a knock-up rather than a Grand Slam competitor.

"The firm told me it was for old people," smiled Mantilla.

"But I am superstitious and this model does a great job for me."