Sampras warily eyes opening match
Posted: Thursday August 27, 1998 04:50 PM
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Sampras (left) could face long-time rival Andre Agassi in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open AP |
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the U.S. Open begins its two-week run Monday, top-seeded Pete Sampras will be careful not to peek too far ahead. Like to possible showdowns with rival Andre Agassi or defending champion Patrick Rafter.
"You can't look ahead, that's kind of the kiss of death," said Sampras, who opens his campaign for a fifth Open title against Germany's Marc Goellner.
"You got to get through the first couple of matches and then you start worrying ... I've been in this position too many times to look ahead," Sampras said Thursday during an autograph session at Macys.
Sampras is one Grand Slam singles title shy of the men's all-time record of 12 held by Australian Roy Emerson.
To equal Emerson's mark at the Open, his sternest tests on the National Tennis Center hardcourts should come in the second week. In the quarterfinals, Sampras is slated to meet longtime foe Agassi, the No. 8 seed who holds a 2-1 edge in their meetings this year.
Sampras could also face No. 3 Rafter in the semifinal. The streaking Australian won consecutive tournaments this month, beating Sampras in the ATP Championship final.
But Sampras says this road to the championship isn't any more difficult than past years.
"I have had tough draws all my career," said Sampras, the 1990, '93, '95 and '96 U.S. Open champion. "There's no advantage to being top seed here. All these guys can play."
Earlier in the day Sampras practiced at Arthur Ashe stadium, his first return there since his fourth-round exit in five sets to Czech Petr Korda last year.
"It's been a year, and you don't really think about it during the year, but when you come back you think about it," said Sampras. "I don't dwell on it. It's not like any extra motivation for me."
"I'm treating this Slam like any other Slam and come out with the same attitude I've always had," said Sampras, whose victory at Wimbledon last month extended to six years his streak of winning at least one Grand Slam tournament a year.
"I feel that my preparation has been pretty good, that I am in pretty good match shape. Let's go out and play."
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