Sampras wins opening game at Scottsdale
March 5, 2002
Pete Sampras in his first action since a fourth-round defeat to Marat Safin at the Australian Open routed qualifier Byron Black of Zimbabwe, 6-1, 6-2, in 44 minutes in a late match.
The former World No. 1 dropped just three points on serve -- two of those on double faults. He was 21-of-21 points on his first serve and seven of 10 second-service points on his way to his sixth victory over Black in as many meetings.
"I've always struggled here and it's a good start," said Sampras, who has not reached the quarterfinals here in four tries. "I was pretty happy with the way I played tonight. This tournament is important going into Indian Wells (next week). I want to be sharp and get into a rhythm."
This is the 13-time Grand Slam champion's first tournament under new coach Jose Higueras -- his third coach in the last four months. Jose is not with Pete this week but Pete claimed at the post-match press conference that he is being 'coached' by his wife Bridgette!
"I thought I played pretty well," Sampras said. "I played pretty sharp, I was happy with the way I served, and I got a pretty good rhythm going from the backcourt."
Sampras hadn't played since his Davis Cup match a month ago, and that was his only action since his disappointing performance in the Australian Open. He hasn't won a tournament since Wimbledon in 2000.
"I don't like to lose, if it's this tournament or the U.S. Open, it still matters enough to try to go out and win any event," Sampras said. "I'd like to get back in the winner's circle, no doubt, and I feel like I'm going to do that this year."
"I need to put myself in situations that get me juiced up and get me going, That's part of why I've changed coaches and why I'm committed to Davis Cup this season."
Awaiting Sampras in the next round is South African Wayne Ferreira, who has had some success against Sampras in the past. Sampras is 6-5 against Ferreira in their 11 career meetings.
"I've always had good results against him," Ferreira said. "And I feel pretty confident going in against him."
A first-round casualty to Australian Andrew Ilie last year, Sampras has never surpassed the second round in Scottsdale and is eager to end that trend.
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