December 1, 2008
Sampras returns to competitive action as we take a brief look back at his illustrious career
By Thomas Rooney
Tennis legend Pete Sampras will return to London for the first time in six years on Tuesday as he takes part in the BlackRock Masters. The American hasn't made an appearance in London since crashing out of Wimbledon's second round back in 2002.
The record 14-time Grand Slam champion will participate in the conclusion to the senior season and fascinatingly, he will come up against John McEnroe in the group stages. The pair met three times during their competitive careers, with Sampras winning all three. I imagine that McEnroe will hold this in high significance as he goes head to head with him again.
In fact, the often outspoken McEnroe has already signalled his intentions by saying giving a message to Sampras and the other professionals taking part --- 'I'm not coming to London to lose'. In terms of these 'other professionals', well, the likes of Stefan Edberg, Pat Cash and Cedric Pioline are all taking part in what should be a very entertaining week of tennis.
As we all know, Sampras won't be speaking his mind ahead of this tournament and in all honesty, he couldn't be more different than the lively McEnroe. During his playing days, Sampras would rarely show his emotions and it appears that this is still the case.
Speaking ahead of the BlackRock Masters, the 37-year-old --- who has lived a very quiet life since retiring from the game --- said that he has always tried to be an 'ordinary person' and that his 'introvert' characteristics are still relevant today.
Sampras went onto admit that he was 'satisfied' with what he accomplished during his professional tennis career. Considering that he won 64 titles during this time, this is hardly a surprise and to say he was 'satisfied' might just be the biggest understatement I have heard in quite some time.
Sampras dominated the men's game for a number of years and would always be backed by the tennis odds to be in with a chance of winning every tournament he entered.
The man who held the number No. 1 ranking for a record 286 weeks can include seven Wimbledon single titles, two Australian Open titles and five US Open single titles in his list of achievements and during his 15 year career, it was only the French Open that eluded him. Still, a fairly remarkable player wasn't he?
Sampras was a good team player as well though as he had a decent Davis Cup record. He helped the U.S win the title in 1992 and 1995 and overall his Davis Cup record stands at 19 wins to 9 losses.
The way this legend of the game finished his career probably summed him up as a player. Despite being the No. 17 seed at the 2002 US Open, he won the tournament in remarkable fashion. This was to be his final appearance as an ATP Pro and confirmed his status as one of the best players to have played the game of tennis.
Having taken a look back at Sampras the player and with reference to the fact that he is returning to London to play in a tournament, it does make me wonder how Sampras would fit into today's game. Where would he sit amongst the likes of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray?
Let me know your thoughts.