Samprasfanz

The headline match featured fourteen-time Grand Slam champion Pete Sampras (USA) in his China debut versus Chengdu fan-favorite Pat Cash (AUS), the 1987 Wimbledon Champion who regaled fans at last year’s inaugural Chengdu Open with his animated play. Sampras reigned supreme, defeating Cash 6-3, 6-1 with his trademark clean-struck heavy ground strokes and legendary serve. Sampras had triple-break point at 1-1, but Cash rallied to win four straight points and hold serve. At 3-3, Sampras whipped a forehand passing shot up the line to get the break. His play struck a chord with the enthusiastic fans, who hooted as he unleashed a vintage Air-Sampras overhead smash. The match epitomized the nostalgic beauty of the ATP Champions Tour, with the level and style of play leaving fans aching for eras past.

Throughout the match, Sampras uncoiled his backhand and unfolded his forehand with the grace of a bird spreading its wings. Sampras broke early and repeatedly in the second set, though he noted after the match that conditions were tricky. “I didn’t realize there was altitude here, and Pat still possesses a good serve and volley game, mixes up his serve and is tough to break. Once I settled into the match and started feeling my range a little bit, it went pretty smoothly, but Pat is still a very good athlete.”