from Former Official Website
October 1997
Davis Cup Play

The Davis Cup in Washington followed by The Grand Slam Cup was a great two weeks for me and an encouraging turnaround after a disappointing U.S. Open.

It is always a great challenge to see how I respond after falling short in a major event. To be able to play well against Pat Rafter -- who had just won the Open -- and the always dangerous Mark Philippoussis was very satisfying. They are both terrific players and great competitors, so it was important to play well throughout each match.

Sunday's clinching match against Pat Rafter in the final of the Davis Cup semis was really exciting! It was terrific to hear the fans get so involved and be so supportive of the Stars & Stripes! Whenever we play in foreign countries the local support seems to be deafening, so to see it come our way is a great boost emotionally.

The hard part was getting the emotion back up so quickly. Having to jump on a plane hours after the Rafter match and re-focus for the Grand Slam
Cup is a "hazard" of my job. Davis Cup can be very draining emotionally making it difficult to play the next week.

I had also developed some arm problems and needed to take a break prior to match time in Munich. By Wednesday, my arm was a little more "lively", but still sore. I played a pretty solid match to beat Felix Mantilla in three sets.

I had an off day Thursday. On Friday I had a Davis Cup final "preliminary" match with Jonas Bjorkman. I played well to take that match in straight sets which set up a semifinal clash with Greg Rusedski. After dropping the first set to Greg I won the next three. It's never easy against Greg because of his huge serve, but I managed to get through.

I felt some significant discomfort in my arm after that match and awoke the day of the final mentally ready for another clash with Rafter. Fortunately I got through with a very fulfilling victory and in dire need of some treatment on my arm and some rest.

Unfortunately I had to withdraw from the Vienna tournament due to my arm, but hopefully this will quickly go away and allow me to finish the year healthy and fit.

It was a terrific couple of weeks and I'm pleased to rebound in the fashion that I did after the U.S. Open, but you know what? The cycle just keeps going, so time to get healthy and eager!!!!!
-----Pete Sampras