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(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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

June 16, 2011 – Pete Sampras seemingly has little in common with Dirk Nowitzki. But at about the time Sampras began carving out a legacy as one of the greatest tennis players of all time in the early 1990s, Nowitzki was winning junior tennis tournaments in his native Germany. Nowitzki eventually switched to basketball and won his first NBA title Sunday night with the Dallas Mavericks. Sampras, a Los Angeles resident who can often be seen at Staples Center watching the Lakers, said he appreciated something else about the way Nowitzki finally won his ring. “You know, I just like to see good basketball,” Sampras said in a phone interview. “I don’t have any preference for one team over another. You’re just happy for Nowitzki. He’s sort of a humble guy, and obviously … Read entire article »