May 21, 2007
Sampras to play Agassi for1st time since retiring
MACAU (AFP) --- Tennis legends Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi will renew their epic rivalry later this year for the first time since the US Open final in 2002.
The two Americans, who played each other 34 times, have not faced off since Sampras won that classic match and then retired.
But they will be back on court in front of 15,000 fans at the Venetian Macau Showdown on October 25 for an exhibition.
"I really enjoy playing, keeping sharp and staying in shape. It's great to see Andre playing again as well, after the problems with his back," said Sampras.
"My motivation to play Andre in Macau will be playing my rival and the great energy that Macau has, so I am very excited to play him in October."
Asked what he remembered most about facing Agassi, Sampras, who won 20 of their encounters, said it was the intensity of their rivalry.
"Andre had a great return of serve, passing shots and first serve. We always had really tough matches and we brought out the best in each other," he said.
"Back in the mid-90s when we were No.1 and 2 in the world I think it was a great rivalry and we transcended the sport.
"When people ask me who my great rival is I always tell them Andre --- our matches were so competitive, so it will be great to play him again."
Between them they have won 22 Grand Slams.
"I have followed the Macau events featuring Roger (Federer), Pete, John (McEnroe) and Bjorn (Borg) so when the opportunity arose ... I was excited to join such an illustrious roster of top tennis names," said Agassi.
22 May 2009
Venetian to hold Grand Slam
By Antonio Espadinha Soares
The Venetian Macau will once again host a special tennis showdown with some of the sport's greatest names, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, who will be joined by two promising talents from the US and India, to put on a unique show for an audience of 15,000.
The event, being held for its third consecutive year, will take place on October 25, with tickets going on sale tomorrow at 10pm. It will also include a music performance and a charity event. Fans that aren't able to attend will be able to follow the event on Facebook and Twitter.
Tennis superstars Sampras and Agassi are to be the highlight of the even, but organisers said they wanted to provide spectators with the opportunity to witness the rise of two promising young talents before their likely ascension to sports greatness. Ryan Harrison and Yuki Bhambri will play a 45 minute singles match before the two historic rivals take to the court, providing a stark contrast between what the retired stars and what this new generation of players will bring to the game.
Harrison, the 16-year-old son of a former tennis professional, is notable for being the third youngest player since 1990, after Richard Gasquet and Rafael Nadal, to have won an ATP level match. He's recently jumped 800 places on his ATP qualification due to his achievements.
Bhamri, also 16, holds the current ranking of 1 as of February this year and has held a position in the top 20 since the beginning of last year when he reached the semi-finals of the Australian open.
Sampras joined the press conference at the Venetian Macau yesterday via telephone link and was able to answer some of the media's questions directly, as well as some promotional questions by event organisers.
He said one of the reasons for him coming back to Macau, was the "positive experience" he had back in 2007 when he first participated in the event and received a five-minute ovation for his performance. He stated that he was "looking forward to going back" to Macau.
He also said he is aware of the current worldwide economic difficulties, and hopes the event can provide some "exciting times" to those who come and watch. When asked about his motivation to keep playing, Sampras said that it's a way to "keep fit and sharp."
As for his adversary, he commented that Agassi is a difficult opponent. When asked how he felt about the possibility of younger players beating his records he staid that "records are made to be broken," mentioning Rafael Nadal as a young player, who although still has a lot of work to do, is on the way to be the man who does it.
As for the new talents that will be participating in this year's event, Sampras said he has heard good things about Harrison, but has never seen him play. He also commented on Roger Federer, who he described as being a player "head and shoulders above anyone else."