Back in Winning Form
July 24, 2001
Pete won his first match since Wimbledon, eliminating Chris Woodruff 7-5, 6-2 in 77 minutes and delivered 12 aces to one in the first-round match at the Mercedes Benz Cup.
``It has been a long break since Wimbledon and it's good to put it on the line. It was very difficult after Wimbledon. It was a close match, it was a tough loss. It does get tougher as you get older. I should have won this year, but I came up short.''
After taking a 3-0 lead in the first set, Sampras let Woodruff work his way back to 4-4 and then 5-5 before breaking him in the final game to take the set. In the second set Sampras served nine of his 12 aces and made his break in the second game stand up.
"I've had quite a long break since Wimbledon, so it's nice to get out and compete," he said. "The way I felt after Wimbledon told me I still have the desire. The day I don't feel that pain after a tough loss, that's when it'll be time (to retire)."
Sampras lost in the fourth round at Wimbledon to Roger Federer of Switzerland. Sampras has won the tournament seven times. As far as Woodruff is concerned, Sampras said, ``I got a good start and picked it up in the second. Chris has beaten me before.'' Sampras loss 7-6, 6-2 to Woodruff in February in the second round at Memphis. Sampras' next opponent will be defending champion Michael Chang on Wednesday night.
Sampras lost in the fourth round at Wimbledon to Roger Federer of Switzerland. Sampras has won the tournament seven times. As far as Woodruff is concerned, Sampras said, ``I got a good start and picked it up in the second. Chris has beaten me before.'' Sampras loss 7-6, 6-2 to Woodruff in February in the second round at Memphis. Sampras' next opponent will be defending champion Michael Chang on Wednesday night.
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