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Courier, Sampras face off for local fundraiser ( in Michigan)

October 29, 2008 GRAND RAPIDS — The view from just over a courtside railing looked to be exceptional for sixth- grade classmates Josie Evert and Parker Chuba on Tuesday night at Van Andel Arena. But when tennis pro Jim Courier stopped the Miracle Match exhibition against Pete Sampras and walked over to their kneeling position in the court’s corner, the two tennis buddies knew their vantage point had come at a high price. “He leaned over and saw our taco chips, and then he grabbed one and ate it,” Evert said. “He came back and got another one. I guess we’re going to have to buy some more.” The antic was one of many the two retired tennis superstars used to entertain the estimated crowd of 4,000. While Courier, 38, a two-time French Open and … Read entire article »

Filed under: Archives 2003 to 2011

Sampras, coming to Grand Rapids, still humble

October 26, 2008The Grand Rapids Press GRAND RAPIDS — When he ruled the tennis world, Pete Sampras never cared about seeing his newspaper photo on the first day of a tournament. But he certainly wanted to see it on the tournament’s last day — and then only as an indication that he had accomplished his goal. “I didn’t play for the limelight or the money, my only goal was to be the best,” said the retired winner of a record 14 Grand Slam professional titles by phone from his California home last week. “In tennis, you can’t hide behind a teammate or a coach. It’s only the great players who, if they’re not playing well, can regroup and play out of it.” Sampras, who retired from the sport in 2002 as the … Read entire article »

Filed under: Archives 2003 to 2011

Sampras to play exhibition in San Jose – 2009

Oct. 15, 2008 Pete Sampras, formerly ranked No. 1 in the world and a two-time SAP Open singles champion, will play an exhibition match against American star James Blake at 7 p.m. on Feb. 9 during the 2009 SAP Open at HP Pavilion in San Jose. Heading the singles field are Blake, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, Juan Martin del Potro, Mardy Fish and Sam Querrey. Bob and Mike Bryan are entered in doubles. Ticket packages are group tickets are available by calling (408) ACE-2121. Individual session tickets will go on sale in January. Tweet … Read entire article »

Filed under: Archives 2003 to 2011