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Sampras withdraws from Italian Open [Apr 30, 2003]

Associated PressRome, April 30 Pete Sampras has withdrawn from next week’s Italian Open, sending a strong signal that he does not plan on taking part in the clay-court season that culminates with the French Open. The Italian Open is considered the premiere tuneup event for the French, the year’s second Grand Slam and the only Slam that Sampras has never won. The 31-year-old Californian has not played since winning the U.S. Open in September for a record 14th Grand Slam singles title. He has entered a number of tournaments in the past two months, only to withdraw. Sampras gave “no reason” for withdrawing, ATP Tour spokesman Rob Penner said Wednesday, and he will not be penalized since he pulled out with more than three days notice. Penner said Sampras called the ATP’s … Read entire article »

Filed under: Archives 2003 to 2011

Annacone keeps schedule open for Sampras [Apr 27, 2003]

Former Tennessee All-American tennis player Paul Annacone is still working with Pete Sampras – sort of. Annacone resigned his position with the USTA development program to spend more time with Sampras this season. Sampras said he wanted to play another season, but only if Annacone would travel with him full time. Annacone’s loyalty to Sampras won out. But Sampras hasn’t played in a match this season. He’s been entered in a number of events, only to withdraw because he doesn’t feel mentally prepared. “Since January, Pete has been struggling with whether he wants to play or not,” said Steve Annacone, Paul’s brother and tennis director at Smoky Mountain Tennis Academy. “He’s having a hard time finding a reason to play again (after having a son in December).” Sampras has been … Read entire article »

Filed under: Archives 2003 to 2011

Sampras pulls out of Houston tournament [Apr 17, 2003]

HOUSTON, TEXAS, April 17 (Reuters) – Fourteen-times grand slam champion Pete Sampras has pulled out of next week’s U.S. clay court championships in Houston. Tournament officials and Sampras’ agency, IMG, told Reuters on Thursday that Sampras would not be featuring in the event — the fifth straight tournament he has withdrawn from. Sampras, who has not played a tournament since winning the 2002 U.S Open last September, has pulled out of all five events he had entered this year — San Jose, Scottsdale, Indian Wells, Miami and now Houston. Last week, the seven-times Wimbledon champion asked for a wild card into the Queen’s Club grass court tournament, which is played the week before Wimbledon. However, his brother Gus said Pete’s Queen’s request was not a solid indication that he will … Read entire article »

Filed under: Archives 2003 to 2011

Sampras won’t play at Houston tennis tournament [Apr 10, 2003]

Pete Sampras withdrew from the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships less than two weeks before the event is set to begin at Westside Tennis Club. Sampras called Westside owner Jim McIngvale to withdraw Tuesday night. The news came as a disappointment to the organizers, who hoped Sampras would make his 2003 debut in Houston. Sampras has not played any tournaments since he won the U.S. Open in September. “I certainly understood,” said McIngvale. “Who am I to question one of the greatest players of all time? I think he’s still weighing whether or not he’s going to retire permanently. It’s a disappointment, but at the same time, I respect his decision.” Sampras has entered a number of tournaments in the past two months, and then withdrawn from all of them. … Read entire article »

Filed under: Archives 2003 to 2011