Samprasfanz

Tennis legend, 35, to play on July 18 in Central Park

First published: Tuesday, February 6, 2007

SCHENECTADY — Nearly 20 years ago, a little-known tennis player named Pete Sampras came to Central Park for the OTB Open. He was 16 and ranked No. 247 in the world.

As Sampras played on Court 6, tournament director Nitty Singh snapped photos of the skinny teen smacking the ball over the net with power and precision. Sampras later asked Singh why she wasn’t taking pictures of anyone else.

“Because you’re going to be No. 1 someday,” Singh said.

Sampras reached the semifinals of the tournament before losing to No. 1 seed Tim Mayotte 6-2, 7-6 (5). Singh invited Sampras to dinner, but he declined because Indian food wasn’t part of his diet. He did, however, say he would accept the offer if he reached the U.S. Open that summer.

One month later, Sampras made it to the U.S. Open and, as promised, took up Singh’s offer. Over Indian cuisine, Singh asked Sampras if he would play in Schenectady the next summer. In reply, he rubbed his thumb against his middle and index fingers, indicating his appearance would cost Singh.

“You’re an ungrateful wretch,” Singh joked, and that talk ended.

Nearly 20 years later, Singh is getting her wish.

Sampras, now 35, the winner of a record 14 Grand Slam titles and arguably the greatest tennis player ever, will return to Schenectady on Wednesday, July 18 for a World TeamTennis match as a member of the Newport Beach Breakers.

Singh, owner of WTT’s New York Buzz, made the announcement Monday during a news conference at City Hall. She also released the Buzz’s schedule, which includes seven home matches in July at CDPHP Stadium in Central Park.

Singh said Sampras is the biggest name to come to Central Park in the 13 years WTT has been played there. Stars who have played in Schenectady include Venus and Serena Williams, Martina Hingis, Martina Navratilova, John McEnroe, Boris Becker, Anna Kournikova and Lindsay Davenport.

“Sampras is the greatest tennis player of all time,” Singh said. “He was No. 1 in the world six years in a row. Roger Federer is not even close. Sampras has 14 Grand Slam titles, and Federer only has 10.”

Singh also announced Sportime at Schenectady is sponsoring the Buzz in 2007. Sportime purchased the former Schenectady Racquet Club, which will be the Buzz’s practice facility and will host matches when the weather is poor.

Source: Times Union