BONN, AUG 20: Boris Becker, who was today seeded 13th, has decided not to compete in next week's US Open after the death of his adviser and close friend Axel Meyer-Woelden, sources close to the player said today.

Meyer-Woelden, one of Germany's most influential sports managers, died of liver cancer on Monday in Munich. He was 56.

German Becker, who had personal and business ties with Meyer-Woelden, first cancelled his trip to Boston.

Meyer-Woelden's aide Peter Duvinage today said that he had informed the US Open organisers of Becker's decision not to take part in their tournament.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.