Sampras Loses to Roddick
April 28, 2002
Andy Roddick claimed an all-American "Battle of the Ages" final against Pete Sampras, winning 7-6(9), 6-3 to collect his second-consecutive title at the US Men's Clay Court Championships in Houston.
This was the first time the 19-year-old Roddick successfully defended a title, an accomplishment all the more impressive considering he captured his fifth career title against one of the game's legends and his childhood idol.
"I want to thank Pete for setting the example for so many years while I was growing up," Roddick said during the trophy presentation.
In steamy conditions and before a sellout crowd of 4,800 at the Westside Tennis Club, Roddick and the 30-year- old Sampras battled hard in the first set, both holding serve and trading passing shots from the baseline. Sampras managed to save four set points in a tense first set tie-break, before the match was interrupted by the arrival of former US President George Bush. At 9-9, Sampras could only chuckle at the former President's timing to take his front-row seat. Roddick, meanwhile, remained composed and won the next two points to gain a pivotal advantage.
"At nine-all in the tie-break, I saw President Bush and I knew I was in trouble," Sampras joked after the match.
In the second set, Roddick
dominated his elder, displaying the form that allowed him to tear through
this year's draw, dropping only one set. The only break in the match came
in the eighth game of the second set, as Sampras netted a forehand off a
Roddick return.
The young American has now won three clay titles, all on American soil. He also picked up his second title of the year at a venue where he now has a perfect 12-0 record, including his two recent singles victories during the United States' defeat over Spain in Davis Cup. The No. 3 seed has a match record of 27-6 for the year, the most wins on the ATP circuit this season.
"He's really the main focus of American tennis," Sampras said of Roddick. "He has a lot of power and he has a great future."
Roddick, who has won all five of his titles in the United States, is the first player to defend the U.S. Men's Clay Courts Championship title since Jose-Luis Clerc in 1980-81, when the tournament was held in Indianapolis.
"I feel at home here in Houston," he said. "I'm a Texas boy at heart. If felt good to play good tennis here this week.
"The fans and the tournament bring out the best in me here in Houston."
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