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Wan LixinOpinion deputy editor of Shanghai Daily
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Sampras rallies past Agassi in Macau
Source: Agencies |
October 26, 2009, Monday
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Print Edition
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PETE Sampras edged Andre Agassi in three sets yesterday as the two retired American tennis greats revisited one of the sport's greatest rivalries.
The 3-6, 6-3, 10-8 win in China's Macau Special Administrative Region was the first time the two had played since Sampras won the 2002 US Open title for his then-record 14th grand slam.
The fast indoor surface at The Venetian Macau arena favored Sampras' attacking style, but it was Agassi who came out packing more heat in his serve, showing no signs of the bad back that required four injections during his final tournament, the 2006 US Open. But Sampras, who beat Roger Federer at the same venue in an exhibition two years ago, recovered, serving an ace and using a delicate pickup volley to secure the second set.
He continued his strong form into the super tiebreaker, overwhelming Agassi with his powerful serve. Trailing 6-9, Agassi saved two match points - the second with a down-the-line backhand winner - but Sampras served out the match with another ace.
"Somehow when you see Pete, it all comes back to you pretty quickly. I just go, 'Well, I don't really have much of a choice here (but to play well).' It's just nice to be so familiar with somebody's game," Agassi said.
"Andre just hits the ball so cleanly, even after being retired for three years. The pace of his shots was very heavy," Sampras said, noting Agassi served more aces than he did. "How many times does that happen?" Agassi interjected.
The 3-6, 6-3, 10-8 win in China's Macau Special Administrative Region was the first time the two had played since Sampras won the 2002 US Open title for his then-record 14th grand slam.
The fast indoor surface at The Venetian Macau arena favored Sampras' attacking style, but it was Agassi who came out packing more heat in his serve, showing no signs of the bad back that required four injections during his final tournament, the 2006 US Open. But Sampras, who beat Roger Federer at the same venue in an exhibition two years ago, recovered, serving an ace and using a delicate pickup volley to secure the second set.
He continued his strong form into the super tiebreaker, overwhelming Agassi with his powerful serve. Trailing 6-9, Agassi saved two match points - the second with a down-the-line backhand winner - but Sampras served out the match with another ace.
"Somehow when you see Pete, it all comes back to you pretty quickly. I just go, 'Well, I don't really have much of a choice here (but to play well).' It's just nice to be so familiar with somebody's game," Agassi said.
"Andre just hits the ball so cleanly, even after being retired for three years. The pace of his shots was very heavy," Sampras said, noting Agassi served more aces than he did. "How many times does that happen?" Agassi interjected.
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