Running on Empty? (Pete Sampras)

Member Name: andycharger

Product:	Pete Sampras
Date:	19/07/01 (28 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A great all rounder

Disadvantages: Had enough of winning?

Could it be that "pistol" Pete Sampras is running out of steam?
He never looked dominant at Wimbledon this year. Before he was knocked out by one of the younger set coming through, he went to 5 sets with one of our lower ranked Brits.

Normally he would have dispatched him with ease but he seemed to lack 2 important ingredients. Concentration and determination.

Lets face it, Wimbledon is about true grit. About doing nothing else for 2 weeks but live with a raquet in your hand. No time to have a mental relapse during a service game, or your opponent will pick you apart on grass. No chance to recover.

Normally, Pete's Ice cold nerve holds out in one of his more successful tournaments. He seems to come alive during Wimbledon fortnight and shows his true class. He can show why he is ranked as one of the best in the world and THE best for a long time.

Yet this year, it was not there.

When you have won majors like he has, it must become almost routine. Not complacency, I dont mean that. You can never be complacent about a major. But expected he was to win his 8th Wimbledon.

Look at his vast array of weapons.

With Agassi you think of his baseline play. Ivanisevic you think of serving. Our own Tim has the back hand passing shot. But Pete has them all and then some more.
This is what makes him a formidable opponent.

He has one of the best (and quickest) serves in the world, great ground strokes, and excellent volleyer and lob shot. Pin point court placement and a back hand and forehand of a true champ.

Yet this time, he showed a chink in his armour.

Boredom? maybe....
Retirement looming?.... I think not. Lots left in him....or is there?
What has he got left to prove?

He has a shed load of cash from playing. He has won everything worth winning. He now has a beautiful wife and must be thinking about a family.

I think we might be seeing the la
st year of Tennis from Pete next year.

Summary: