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By James BeckCharleston Post and Courier September 16, 2007 – Imagine Pete Sampras as just another baseliner, hitting two-handed backhands of all things. That’s a really fuzzy picture of tennis’ Grand Slam record-holder. Yet, it’s a picture that came very close to being taken. If it had, Roger Federer might already be co-holder with Roy Emerson of tennis’ most revered record. Sampras might never have surpassed Emerson’s 12 Grand Slam titles. “That’s a good question. Why did I change (to a one-handed backhand)?” Sampras said Thursday from his Southern California home during a lengthy interview. Sampras said he was 14 years old when he made the decision to ditch his two-handed backhand. His dream was to one day win Wimbledon, and as improbable as the possibility seemed at the time, it would have been much … Read entire article »

By RUSTY HALL Sep. 18, 2007 – Pete Sampras retired from tennis after beating Andre Agassi to win the 2002 U.S. Open for his record 14th Grand Slam title. However, in the past year and half, Sampras has returned to the courts, competing in World TeamTennis and in Outback Champions Series events. And while he admits his game is not at what he considers ATP level, he’s playing pretty well. On Saturday, Sampras will stop in Frisco to take on ATP veteran Robby Ginepri in the FedEx Shootout at the Deja Blue Arena. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation, the National Junior Tennis League and the Arthur Ashe Legacy Program. What motivates you to play in these exhibition matches? I still enjoy playing and I’m on my … Read entire article »

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia (Sept 14, 2008) – Tickets for the “Clash of Times” event featuring world number one and 12-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer against tennis legend Pete Sampras will go on sale tomorrow. Tickets for the exhibition match are priced between RM83 to RM443. The classic showdown will take place on Nov 22 at the Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam. Another match to look forward to is the one featuring world number two and three-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal against France’s top player and Wimbledon semi-finalist Richard Gasquet on Nov 20. Tickets for this match are priced between RM83 to RM403. “We are expecting a big demand for tickets. We expect a sell-out,” said Lincoln Venancio, managing director of Entertainment Group Limited, the organisers for … Read entire article »

By: Dave Albee Related picture 09/10/2007 – There may be some premature baldness developing on the top of his head and the timing in his tennis game is off right now, but make no mistake that Pete Sampras, at age 36, still loves to win more than the next guy. Chair umpire Larry McMullen ought to know. Although Sampras was playing a fun and relaxed exhibition match Sunday during the Alumni Legends Cup in Tiburon, the retired 14-time Grand Slam singles champion became annoyed when, in the seventh game of the first set, his opponent – talented 19-year-old Sam Querrey – hit a backhand down the line that a linesman ruled in. Sampras thought the shot was closer to Mill Valley than in and asked McMullen to overrule. He didn’t. “Are you embarrassed? You … Read entire article »

Excerpts from AP news Sept. 10, 2007 On Roger closing in on his record “I did all I could do in the ’90s, and I really thought the 14 would be tough to beat. Little did I know Roger would come along and dominate the way he has – and that could last a while longer,” Pete Sampras said Monday in a telephone interview from Los Angeles. “If there’s a player and a person that I’d like to see break this, it would be Roger. He’s a great guy. Lets his racket do the talking. One of those humble champions I like.” “I won’t be disappointed – it’s more respect than anything. Would I like my record to last forever? Of course. But records are made to be broken,” Sampras said. “He’ll win a … Read entire article »

In the post match presscon of Roger Federer, he has confirmed an exhibition match with Pete Sampras at the Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2008. Tweet … Read entire article »