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Race for Number 1

© Joel Hunt

The indoor leg of the men's tennis season has arrived, and promises to provide an exciting conclusion to the year. At the moment it is still unclear whether Pete Sampras will retain the number 1 ranking for a record 6th year, or if a challenger such as Pat Rafter will be able to usurp that position.

Sampras originally was only going to play 3 tournaments in the lead up to the world championships in Hannover. But he soon discovered that this would not provide him with sufficient points to retain his number 1 position, and so was forced to search for wild cards in 2 more tournaments. The 2 available tournaments were Basel and Vienna, and neither was able to accommodate Sampras as they had already made commitments. Fortunately for him, Mark Philippoussis pulled out of the Basel tournament. Also, Boris Becker offered his wild card at Vienna to Sampras. Sampras told the media:

"I contacted Boris to see if he was going to play. He's obviously not playing as much. He said he would give it to me. Otherwise I would have left for home."

So as a result of Becker's magnanimity, Sampras still has a chance to retain his number 1 ranking.

His nearest rival is no.2 ranked Pat Rafter, who also has a heavy schedule for the indoor season. At the time of writing the race is tight. Sampras has 4,075 points to Rafter's 3,575 points. But Sampras has much more points to defend over the indoor season, including the titles in Paris and the World Championships in Hannover. During the same period last year Rafter failed to advance past the semi-finals of any tournaments. Any good results he obtains during this season will be a bonus.

Basel and Vienna

Neither Sampras or Rafter were able to take advantage in the indoor tournament in Basel, with both losing in the first round. Sampras fell in a tough 3-setter to Wayne Ferriera, a former top tenner who has an excellent record against the world number 1. Rafter meanwhile lost to Daniel Vacek in straight sets. Surprisingly, Rafter said that he finds indoor carpet to be one of his least favourite surfaces. He added that he needs to improve and be able to play on all surfaces if he's to become the world number 1. The final was between Andre Agassi Tim Henman. Henman dominated the American from the net, winning the title 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.