Court Central
October 2003
Commentary
By Guy Forget
A legend is moving. Probably one of the most beautiful pages of the
history of tennis has been just closed again on one of the greatest
champions of all time.
The absolute record holder of winning in Grand Slum said farewell to
the public who was loudly applausing him last time on the center
court at Flushing Meadows, even where he'd have played and won his
last official match in the final of US Open 2002.
We will not see him any more raising trophies after hours of battle
in the famous finals where he'd very often play dream tennis which
only he was able to expect.
For a professional player, not to feel any more the crowd who is
excited and cheers is such a deep sadness. Moreover, at the time of
his ceremony of good-bye, August 25, the emotion was so strong, that
this champion, usually so tough mentally and impassive whatever the
circumstances, could not retain some tears. His new life starts from
now on, and I cannot prevent me from thinking that it will be a kind
of renaissance for him.
Many people regarded him as introverted, humble, sometimes even dull.
He always had to gain more titles to produce the same media effect
than guys like Agassi or Becker.
However keeping his feet on the ground, and it is really his essence,
he was the perfect player from any point of view. I remember, like
all his adversaries, every match played against him, wins as well as
defeats. He was able to hit incredible shots so easily that sometimes
the spectators were even lulled during the match.
One of my regrets will remain not to have been able to shake hands
with him after our victory against the United States in the final of
Davis Cup 1991, whereas it was already extraordinary tenniswise.
He had the touch of McEnroe, the physical strength of Agassi, the volley placement of Edberg and the service of Ivanisevic. Imagine facing him when he was inspired! But more than all, he had especially the perfect motion. He had this greatest ability to make the most difficult shots look extremely simple.
All that fascinated us yesterdays at Mohamed Ali or Michael Jordan
and today at Tiger Woods, Pete had it at the highest level.
Then Mr. Sampras, thank you for all you has brought to tennis. Thanks
for having made us dream. And sometimes to have allowed us to realize
our dreams.
