Andre Agassi asks for compassion for drug use

Andre Agassi, mired in controversy after admitting to using crystal meth, pleaded for compassion from his critics in a television interview that will be broadcast tomorrow in the United States.

During the 60 Minutes interview, excerpts of which were made public yesterday, Agassi discussed his explosive autobiography "Open" in which he admitted to using the recreational drug and his battles with depression.

At one point, the former world no.1 becomes emotional after being asked to respond to criticism from Martina Navratilova, who compared him to baseball pitcher Roger Clemens, who is battling doping allegations.

"Yeah it's what you don't want to hear," Agassi told interviewer Katie Couric.

"I would hope along with that would come some compassion that maybe this person doesn't need condemnation. Maybe this person could stand a little help.

"Because that was at a time in my life when I needed help."

In the book Agassi candidly describes being introduced to the drug in 1997 and the moment when he was informed he had failed a drugs test. He later lied to men's governing body the ATP about his use and escaped a ban.