Samprasfanz

Australian Open organisers have confirmed that Pete Sampras is among the entries for next month’s tournament, but remain unsure whether the American will compete. The US Open champion was automatically included in the official entries for the event when nominations closed on Wednesday but has yet to indicate whether he will play.

Under ATP rules, the top 100 ranked men were automatically entered into the tournament unless they had notified organisers they would not be playing.

But Sampras has not played since winning the US Open in September and has hinted he may retire.

Sampras tipped for Oz return “Like everyone else we’re still waiting to see what Pete’s future in tennis is,” said a spokesman for the event.

“Of course we’re hoping he’ll come, but at this stage we really don’t know.”

Three times Australian Open champion Martina Hingis appeared on the entry list despite recently undergoing ankle surgery.

“It’s great to see that triple champion Martina has indicated that she wants to play,” said Australian Open chief executive Paul McNamee.

“Like her we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed that she’ll be fit in time for January.”