Sampras starts fast at the US Open
by: Hal Bock, AP
August 28, 2002
Pete Sampras considered the match, the first-set domination, the straight-set
victory, the easy move into the second round of the U.S. Open and decided
all had gone as well as he could have expected.
With four of his record 13 Grand Slam victories achieved in this tournament,
Sampras has high standards for the event. So he placed Wednesday's 6-1,
6-4, 6-4 victory over Albert Portas under the microscope and gave it a close
examination.
"I was really pleased the way it went,'' he said. "The conditions weren't
too easy. Today was pretty windy and kind of swirling around like it always
does on center court. Under the circumstances, I felt like I was coming
in, being aggressive, putting a lot of pressure on him.
"I thought it was a pretty good start.''
That was important for a man who has gone 25 months since his last tournament
victory, a player with so many great moments in this event but whose mediocre
play recently left him with an uncharacteristic No. 17 seed, the lowest
Grand Slam seeding of his career.
No one demands more of Sampras than Sampras. Against Portas, a Spanish
clay court specialist, his game was flawless.
"It felt really good,'' he said. "I felt like I played really well.
I have no complaints with the way it went. It's been a struggle this year.
I've lost some confidence. But this is the U.S. Open.''
And that makes these two weeks special for a player looking for one more
chance to raise a major trophy over his head.
"I don't have much to prove here,'' Sampras said. "I mean I want to
do well and see what I can do, but I don't feel any more pressure this year.
I've gone to the finals here seven times ... I don't feel any different
this year than last year.''.
At the last two Opens, Sampras has seemed poised to reach back from the
twilight of his career for one more sunrise. Both times, he came to disappointing
endings, beaten in the final in 2000 by Marat Safin and again in the final
last year by Lleyton Hewitt.
In fact, he has become an afterthought on some fronts, ignored by Hewitt
when the top-seeded player rattled off the names of players he considered
dangerous in this tournament.
That's all right with Sampras. He has other issues with which to be concerned,
primarily his game and the victory drought
"That's been the most frustrating part at this point in my tennis,''
he said. "I'm still putting a lot of work into it, a lot of focus. It's
been a pretty disappointing year. I have nothing to show for it. I can't
dwell on that at the moment.
"I have to look at the future, not the past. I just have to believe in
myself and hope I can do pretty well here.''
Still the memories of Opens past are imposing for the all-time Grand Slam
king. And the way things have gone lately, the past -- a time when he was
No. 1, the best player in the game -- looks a lot better than the present.
Back to Archives - 2002 | News
Pete cruises into second round
by: Richard Pagliaro, Tennisweek
August 28, 2002
Pete Sampras spent a large part of the last decade viewing the tennis
landscape from a prominent place atop the ATP rankings and has played much
of the last two years striving to win his first tournament title since the
2000 Wimbledon.
Pete Sampras spent a large part of the last decade viewing the tennis
landscape from a prominent place atop the ATP rankings and has played much
of the last two years striving to win his first tournament title since the
2000 Wimbledon.
Seemingly at peace with his present place in the game, Sampras is no longer
living in denial.
On the anniversary of his first career victory at the U.S. Open, the 17th-seeded
Sampras returned to Flushing Meadows to record his 65th career U.S. Open
victory with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 triumph over Spain's Albert Portas, who was
playing his first hard-court match of the summer.
"I was really pleased the way it went," said Sampras, who entered
the event with his lowest Grand Slam seeding. "Under the circumstances,
I felt like I played really well. I was coming in, being aggressive, putting
a lot of pressure on him. I thought it was a pretty good start."
It came against a player who reached a career-high ranking of No. 19 a
year ago and who owns a total of two career victories at the U.S. Open.
Serving effectively and volleying efficiently, Sampras won 80 percent of
his first-serve points (40 of 50 points) and saved the lone break point
he faced in the match. Portas isn't exactly a dangerous hard-court player,
but after a long season of struggle and a first-round loss at the TD Waterhouse
Cup last week, Sampras was pleased to earn the win.
"It's been a pretty disappointing year," Sampras said. "I
have nothing to show for it. I can't dwell on that at the moment. I have
to look at the future, not the past. I just have to believe in myself and
hope I can do pretty well here."
While Sampras may never fully find the form that made him one of the greatest
players in tennis history, he has found something even more important —
a satisfying life outside the sport that consumed him. While he once lived
for tennis and was committed so completely the sport he denied himself a
life outside the game, Sampras concedes that tennis is now just one part
of his active life. The father-to-be has found perspective that comes from
having a family.
"I was so focused for so long that I just kind of had enough of being
No. 1, just too much pressure," Sampras said. "Being married has
given me a good balance out there."
Sampras' career obituary has been written by everyone ranging from journalists
to fans posting on tennis message boards to fellow players like Yevgeny
Kafelnikov, who publicly proclaimed Sampras should retire. Rather than confront
his critics or refute the reports of his professional demise, Sampras prefers
to stay positive while realizing the reality that he is no longer the player
he once was.
"I've done too much to hear all the negative stuff; I don't need
to cloud my thoughts with negative comments," Sampras said. "It's
inevitable, at a place where I'm at, when you get a little older. I'm not
nearly as dominant. You hear rumblings here and there. You can't let if
faze you. You just have to stay positive and go out and practice hard and
play well and just believe in yourself. That's what I've been trying to
do."
Some champions search to build a life after tennis, Sampras is trying
to live a full life while still playing tennis.
"Tennis is still a big part of my life, but it's not what it used
to be," Sampras said. "I used to live and die with my wins and
losses. I still get disappointed and frustrated, but when I hit 30, 31,
there's more to life than tennis. That being said, I'm still here, I still
want to do well. The bar's still pretty high."
The truth is attaining the heights of a record-setting 13 Grand Slams
and a record-setting six straight seasons as the year-end No. 1 is about
as easy as trying to slam dunk over the Statue of Liberty. Sampras admits
his days of dominance are behind him and he sounds almost relieved by the
realization.
The man who spent part of his time on top looking over his shoulder at
the pack of players chasing him for so long is no longer looking back —
he's playing purely for the moment, which is what virtually anyone who plays
tennis at any level is doing.
"I'm going to play as long as I'm enjoying it," Sampras said.
"It happens in all sports with all athletes. They get older, they're
not as dominant. Everyone thinks they're an expert in what I should be doing
and how I should leave. Can't listen to all that stuff. Just believe in
yourself and go out there and play."
Sampras forged one of tennis' top rivalries with Andre Agassi and weighed
in with his opinion on a potential future rivalry between the champions'
children.
"He's got no shot," Sampras said with a laugh when asked how
his child would fare against Jaden Gil Agassi, the son of Andre and wife
Steffi Graf. "My kid, if it's a boy, will dominate."
Back to Archives - 2002 | News
Re- Pete performance
by: Marc Berman, NY Post
August 28, 2002
Faced with rumblings that he's washed up, Pete Sampras played like the
old Pistol Pete yesterday at Ashe Stadium, wiping away, for a day, at least,
cries for his retirement.
But after his 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 first-round bashing of clay-courter Albert
Portas, the 31-year-old Sampras wore his heart on his sleeve. The American
tennis legend admitted his marriage two years ago to actress Bridgett Wilson
and expectations of their first child this December has lessened his focus
on tennis.
"That's what life is all about, marrying the woman of your dreams
and having kids, having a great career," the 17th-seeded Sampras said.
"I feel like I've done that. Tennis is still a big focus, but it's
not as consuming as it once was.
"I was so focused for so long that I just kind of had enough of being
No. 1, just too much pressure," Sampras added. "I used to live
and die with my wins and losses. I still get frustrated and disappointed
but when I hit 30, 31, there's more to life than tennis."
Sampras also sounded downright defiant about calls for his retirement.
"I try to block it out," he said. "I've done too much to
hear all the negative stuff. It's inevitable at the place I'm at, a little
older, not nearly as dominant. But I'm going to stop on my own terms, not
when someone else thinks I should stop."
Perhaps sensing that Sampras could be gracing Flushing Meadows for the
last time, the fans overwhelmed him with support. The crowd shouted out
the number of aces he had after each service blast during the third set
(he finished with 10) and periodically chanted the letters of his first
name.
Sampras closed out the match grandly, with two straight aces and a service
winner. Before serving on match point, a spectator screamed out "One
more Slam." He was bathed in a standing ovation following the 90-minute
victory and lingered on the court to wave to all corners of the stadium.
"It was nice, they were all paying attention, I really appreciate
the crowd," Sampras said.
Last week before his embarrassing first-round ouster on Long Island at
the TD Waterhouse Cup, Sampras, who holds the all-time record of 13 Grand-Slam
titles, said he plans to play another full year before deciding about his
future.
However, no one expects him to win another Slam title here, despite a
decent early draw. The 76th-ranked Portas hadn't played a hardcourt tournament
all summer. In the second round, he faces 85th-ranked Kristian Pless before
matters get rough in Round 3, with the hot, hard-serving Greg Rusedski.
"I'm not looking ahead, I'm not sure who I play," Sampras said.
"I don't look ahead."
Asked if he felt extra pressure this year, Sampras, who hasn't won the
Open title since 1996, said, "I didn't play like it, did I? I don't
have much to prove here. I've gone to the Finals here seven times."
Back to Archives - 2002 | News
2002 US Open - Round 1
Post-Match Interview
Pete Sampras defeats A. Portas
6-1, 6-4, 6-4
August 28, 2002
THE MODERATOR: Questions for Pete, please.
Q. Were you happy with your game today?
PETE SAMPRAS: Yeah. I was really pleased the way it went. You know, the
conditions weren't too easy. Today was pretty windy and kind of swirling
around like it always does out there on the center court. But under the
circumstances, I felt like I played really well. I was coming in, being
aggressive, putting a lot of pressure on him. I thought it was a pretty
good
start.
Q. Did you consider this a very high-pressured first round considering
the way things have been going?
PETE SAMPRAS: There's always pressure when you play a major. I don't think
there's any more this year than last year.
Q. You don't?
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, I didn't play like it, did I?
Q. You played fine. I'm just wondering if this was different.
PETE SAMPRAS: No. I mean, I don't have much to prove here. I mean, I want
to do well and see what I can do, but I didn't feel any more pressure this
year. You know, I've gone to the finals here seven times so I don't feel
like I -- I mean, sure, there's pressure I put on myself to do well. This
is what I play for. I don't feel any different this year than last year.
Q. How did you feel in the third set when the crowd started chanting
and counting your aces?
PETE SAMPRAS: It was nice. They were all paying attention (laughter).
It was good support today. I really appreciate the crowd and their help.
It was nice to play out there today.
Q. Was the court playing slower? If so, does that help you?
PETE SAMPRAS: Yeah, the court is playing a touch slower than previous
years, which I like. You have a little bit more time to play. The court's
a little grainier. So I tend to like it a little bit slower.
Q. How much of an advantage is it playing all your matches on Arthur
Ashe court?
PETE SAMPRAS: It's nice. It's nice to play out there. The atmosphere is
always pretty good. Pretty comfortable out there. They open the court up
all week for practice so you get used to the conditions and the wind. It's
always nice to be out there.
Q. Having had so much success in your career, how difficult is it to
handle the losing lately?
PETE SAMPRAS: That's been the most frustrating part at this point in my
tennis. I'm still putting a lot of work into it, a lot of focus; it's been
a pretty disappointing year. I have nothing to show for it. I can't dwell
on that at the moment. I have to look at the future, not the past. I just
have to believe in myself and hope I can do pretty well here.
Q. The fact that other guys have come here later in their career and
have had success, they've gotten the crowd behind them, gotten a roll, does
that give you optimism?
PETE SAMPRAS: I hope so. It's happened the last couple years here when
not being quite as dominant and the support here in New York, last year,
I had a great run. The crowd helps. You know, when you're feeling a little
bit heavy in the legs, they kind of spur you on a little bit. It's always
nice having that support.
Q. What do you think about your draw?
PETE SAMPRAS: I'm not looking ahead. I'm not sure who I play, if they're
playing now or what's happening. I don't look ahead.
Q. Shea Stadium is right across the street. It's difficult to compare
sports. Under what circumstances can you see tennis players ever going on
strike?
PETE SAMPRAS: Such an individual sport, you know. I believe it was the
'70s when there was a bit of a boycott, was it? There's still guys playing.
So I don't ever see it happening in tennis.
Q. Do you have any thoughts one way or another on the whole baseball
controversy?
PETE SAMPRAS: Pretty disappointing. I mean, I'm not a huge baseball fan.
But at this day and age, with all the money everyone's making, owners and
players, it -- the people that are going to be left out in the cold are
the fans. That's who's paying the price. They're going to lose a lot of
fans, obviously, if it happens.
Q. Speaking of baseball, you made that ad with Roger Clemens with ESPN.
I know you said you're a SportsCenter kind of guy.
PETE SAMPRAS: Religious.
Q. It just came in fifth place in the rankings.
PETE SAMPRAS: I don't watch it that much. I didn't see the place it came
in.
Q. How big a disappointment is that going to be for you when you look
back on your career?
PETE SAMPRAS: One of the most disappointing (laughter). Really, I'm shocked
I thought it would be in the Top 2.
Q. Did you loosen up in the late stages, with your serve? Did you open
up?
PETE SAMPRAS: Yeah. I went through a spurt there in the second where I
wasn't really hitting it that well. In the third I kind of clicked and started
hitting it flatter and hitting my spots better. He was starting to return
a little bit better and putting more pressure on me. The serve kind of clicked
there in the third. It was a nice way to finish it.
Q. American players have shown themselves in the first round, after the
disappointing showing at Wimbledon. Do you sense a feeling among the US
players this is a place to redeem themselves, at this tournament?
PETE SAMPRAS: You know, I don't think so. Wimbledon's over. And, sure,
we didn't do all that well. But I don't think we're thinking about it here.
So I don't see it kind of spur us on any more than usual. You know, we all
want to do well. But I don't see a huge difference, you know. Wimbledon
was disappointing for me and all the guys, but I think we'll do a little
bit
better here.
Q. Have you made adjustments in your game the last couple years, the
style that you play? Have you changed your style at all on the court, adjusting
mentally or physically?
PETE SAMPRAS: Not really. Just being aggressive and playing the same I've
always played. I take my chances. The difference is everyone's a little
bit better. I'm not winning on my off days. I'm losing the matches that
five years ago I used to find a way to win. Now when I don't play well I'm
struggling to win those matches. Guys are using much more powerful racquets
and it's made it a little bit more difficult. I'm always looking to come
in, always looking to serve big and make something happen.
Q. This is the last tournament where things kind of really clicked for
you in the last year. Do you think it's possible that you could wake up
tomorrow or the next day and just feel like, "It's starting again,
my game's coming into form?"
PETE SAMPRAS: I think today was a good start. I'm sure there's always
-- you're a little bit nervous in your first round match, trying to kind
of settle into the tournament. Hopefully, it clicks, like it did last year.
Kind of gained some confidence as each match went by. Went through a pretty
tough draw. I can reflect on that a little bit this year. But hope it clicks.
You know, I've been doing all the right things, practicing. Practicing with
purpose. That's all you can try to do. Hopefully, it will be my time.
Q. What do you think about the fact that Tommy Haas came on the court
today and was wearing a sleeveless shirt. They made him change it. Do you
think the guys are trying too hard to add sex appeal to the men's tour?
Does it go too far at one point or not?
PETE SAMPRAS: I didn't see what happened. But that could be more of Nike
trying to make a statement more than the players. Obviously the player is
responsible. But, yeah, there's no question we've been hearing a lot of
not so flattering things about the men's game compared to the ladies'. Maybe
it's an effort to do some different things. That's not the way to do it,
in my opinion. You know, it is about the tennis. It's about a little personality.
But I don't think -- something I wouldn't feel comfortable doing. But I'm
sure Nike, you know, wants to make a statement. Maybe so does Tommy. But
that doesn't really work for me.
Q. Do you find it discriminatory, though, given what some of the women
are wearing?
PETE SAMPRAS: There's some interesting outfits out there, I will say that
(laughter). Pretty revealing (smiling). You see all the curves. I don't
know. It's a good question. You know, we have our rules on ATP. You have
to wear a proper shirt, I guess. So ladies are always kind of pushing the
envelope with some of their outfits.
Q. What do you make of the brouhaha erupting with Lleyton Hewitt saying
next year, after he maintains his No. 1 ranking, he's not going to play
the required events that the ATP wants him to, he's going to gear up for
the majors and Grand Slams?
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, that's what we're all playing for. You know, when
I was his age it was about being No. 1 and trying to stay on top for as
long as I could. He might have different goals, you know, and it's tough
to do both. He's playing Davis Cup, too, which adds weeks to the year. So
I understand where he's coming from. It is about peaking at the right time.
But at his age, I think he's okay to play all of them - like I did. But,
you know, he knows his game, he knows his physical and mental capability,
and it's his choice. I'm not going to speak negative about it. He's won
two majors, he's been No. 1. It's not much of a priority for him to stay
there. It was for me. But he's a great player and he's going to do a lot
of great things.
Q. Can you comment on the switch?
PETE SAMPRAS: It was kind of a tricky situation with Jose. I needed some
full-time coaching. Jose, we never really clicked. We spent time together.
Just really didn't work. Our intentions were both good, but we both knew
that after Wimbledon, you know, I needed to be with him every week. It was
a big change working with a new coach. He couldn't do it. He has a commitment
with the USTA. I called Paul as a friend to help me out. He was nice enough
to help out. It's nice to be back with Paul. He knows me better than anybody.
As a tennis player he knows how I tick, he knows what to say. He knows my
game. It's nice to be comfortable out there and have some peace of mind.
Q. In the past when guys have gotten married and had kids, the speculation
was it was hard to focus on just tennis. What's your experience?
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, that's what life's all about, marrying the woman of
your dreams and having kids, having a great career. I feel like I've done
that. You know, tennis is still a big focus, but it's not as consuming as
it once was. I was so focused for so long that I just kind of had enough
of being No. 1, just too much pressure. Being married has given me a lot
of happiness, given me a good balance out there. You know, tennis is still
a big part of my life, but it's not what it used to be. I used to live and
die with my wins and losses. I still get disappointed and frustrated, but
when I hit 30, 31, there's more to life than tennis. That being said, I'm
still here, I still want to do well. That bar's still pretty high.
Q. Are you hurt when people say, "The guy should quit? He's done
everything."
PETE SAMPRAS: I try to block it out. I don't read a lot of papers or listen
to a lot of commentary. I mean, you know, I've done too much to hear all
the negative stuff. I don't need to cloud my thoughts with negative comments.
It's inevitable, at a place where I'm at, when you get a little older, I'm
not nearly as dominant. You hear rumbling here and there. You can't let
it faze you. You just have to be positive and go out and practice hard and
play well, just believe in yourself. That's what I've been trying to do.
It's fine, you know. That's the way it works. That's the media. But I'm
going to stop on my own terms, not when someone else thinks I should stop.
If I want to play for, you know, five more years and struggle, then I'm
going to do that. It's kind of my career and I can do whatever I want with
it.
Q. Why do you think it's so hard for the general public and the media
to let a champion like you play on until you're ready to call it a day yourself?
Why do you think it's so hard to let him enjoy it?
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, it's not hard. I mean, I'm not being told not to play.
I mean, I'm going to play as long as I'm enjoying it, as long as I'm in
contention or feel like I can still do it. But it's -- it happens in all
sports with all athletes. They get older, they're not as dominant. Everyone
thinks they're an expert in what I should be doing and how I should leave.
Can't listen to all that stuff. Just believe in yourself and go out there
and play and keep it simple.
Q. Earlier this year Agassi took a shot at you and said his son would
have a full year or so over your kid.
PETE SAMPRAS: Really?
Q. Yeah. And would be in great shape. Could you take a moment and speak
up for your family pride?
PETE SAMPRAS: Sure. I would love to. He's got no shot (laughter). 19,
20 years, my kid, if it's a boy, we don't know yet, will dominate (laughter).
I mean... It's rhetorical, really.
Q. Is it genetic, or better coaching, or what?
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, he's got pretty good genes on his side, doesn't he?
Q. Pretty good.
PETE SAMPRAS: We'll see. I don't know. We'll see.
Q. If it's a girl, same thing?
PETE SAMPRAS: Girl, could be a struggle to beat. We'll see. We'll see
what the future holds for our kids.
Q. Will you find out before?
PETE SAMPRAS: We're thinking about it.
Q. Would you mind or like it if your child were a professional tennis
player?
PETE SAMPRAS: If that's what he or she wanted to do, I'd support it. You
know, it's -- he'd be judged pretty - or she - pretty tough. Always the
comparisons. But if that's what his or her passion was to do, play tennis,
which could happen, then I fully support it. I'm not going to be one of
those psycho dads, though. Kind of let my kid do what he wants or she wants
to do, I'll stay in the back like my dad has been.
Q. If she wore a black cat suit, would that be okay?
PETE SAMPRAS: I might draw the line there (laughter).
Q. When are you expecting?
PETE SAMPRAS: Later in the year.
Q. How is she feeling?
PETE SAMPRAS: She feels fine. She feels fine.
Q. Some say you're more relaxed, even though the expectations might be
more? Fair to say?
PETE SAMPRAS: Thank you.
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