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Samprasfanz » Archives 2003 to 2011

Champions chat: Sampras talks tennis

(CNN) — Pete Sampras is one of the legends of men’s tennis, holding the record of 286 weeks as world No. 1 — a position he maintained for an unprecedented six years in a row. The American sat down for a chat with CNN’s Open Court show host Pat Cash, who like Sampras is a former Wimbledon champion. Sampras was still a boy when Cash won his only grand slam crown in 1987, but went on to notch a record seven championships at the British grass-court event and 14 majors overall — which was a record until Roger Federer beat it in 2009. Sampras, now 40, has been retired from top-level tennis for almost a decade, and has two sons with actress wife Bridgette Wilson. He talks about his post-playing days, his record-breaking achievements, … Read entire article »

Filed under: Archives 2003 to 2011

Sampras and Safin to debut at China Open’s new stadium

BEIJING, Sep. 29 (Xinhua) — Former tennis great Pete Sampras and Marat Safin will play the debut match at the new stadium of China Open on Friday to mark the opening of this tournament. The new stadium, named National Tennis Stadium or “Diamond Stadium”, has a retractable roof and a diamond-like structure. It is located in the Olympic Green Tennis Center, which hosted the tennis matches at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. “It is my first time being there. I have numerous expectations towards my tour in China, especially the game with my oldfangled adversary Safin,” Sampras said in a news conference on Thursday, meanwhile, Safin was obviously more familiar with the city, saying Beijing has always been a very welcoming destination for him. “I had a memorable farewell match here,” added the … Read entire article »

Filed under: Archives 2003 to 2011

[Sept 23, 2011] – Chang beats Sampras, Courier in Champions Series event

WASHINGTON — Michael Chang beat Jim Courier 8-3 in the finals Friday night at the HSBC Tennis Cup.Chang beat Pete Sampras 6-4 earlier to advance to the final, and Courier got past Andre Agassi 7-6 (4). Sampras won the opening event of the Champions Series Tour on Thursday at Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The quartet dominated the professional tour in the 1990s, combining for 27 grand slam titles – 14 by Sampras. For the four Hall of Famers and their now four-decade-old bodies, having a savvy trainer available as they compete in the Champions Series is a necessity. “Andre’s got the bad hip. My back’s always been stiff,” the 40-year-old Sampras said with joking sincerity. “The trainer, he’s the most important guy on the tour.” From a distance, all resembled reasonable likenesses of the players … Read entire article »

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The Opening exhibition match- Sampras VS Safin

Beijing, China, Sept.30th – The opening exhibition in the National Tennis Court between Marat Safin and Pete Sampras ended. Safin beat Sampras by 6-3/6-4. In this splendid game, both Safin and Sampras entertained and amused fans by their skills. For an exhibition match, they brought laughter to the spectators. &#12288 Tweet … Read entire article »

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Li Na and Friends to square off with Sampras and others at two-day tennis event in Wuhan

Beijing, July 9 (ANI): Li Na, who became the first Asian-born player to win a singles Grand Slam title a month ago, has confirmed plans to be a part of a special two-day tennis extravaganza in her hometown, Wuhan, along with superstars like 14-time Grand Slam singles champion Pete Sampras and Carlos Moya. Li will also challenge new rival and rising star, Sabine Lisicki, who had defeated her in a thrilling contest at Wimbledon. The event titled “Li Na and Friends” will be held on December 17-18, 2011, the city of Wuhan leadership and IMG has announced. Li expressed her gratitude happiness over the fact that the event would be organized in her hometown. “It has been an amazing few weeks for me and my family and I would like to thank you … Read entire article »

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Pete Sampras’ take on the big four for Wimbledon 2011

Pete Sampras ruled Wimbledon. He won at the All England Club seven times, the most titles in more than a century, overpowering opponents with his devastating serve. Tennis, perhaps, has never seen a better second delivery. So who better to discuss this year’s tournament than Sampras, overall a 14-time Grand Slam champion and still a keen follower of the game? In a telephone interview with ESPN.com, Sampras labeled buddy Roger Federer as the “slight” favorite at tennis’ beloved grass-court major, ahead of world No. 1 Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Federer is “oozing with confidence” after reaching the French Open final, Sampras said. Sampras praised Nadal, calling him a “machine” who surfaces “once every 25 years,” but cautioned the Spaniard about his workload. He suggested Djokovic, owner of a recent 43-match winning streak, … Read entire article »

Filed under: Archives 2003 to 2011