Sampras back on track

Pete Sampras has shrugged off his poor form this year to win the event at Queens in London. This is the biggest grass-court tournament in the lead up to Wimbledon, and serves as a good form guide for it. With a record equalling 12th grand-slam title within reach, Sampras will be desperate to continue his winning form at Wimbledon.

Pete Sampras has had a very bad year in 1999. Although only aged 27, his game already appears to be on the decline. Up until Queens this year he had not won any titles. At the start of the year he skipped the Australian Open as a result of mental and physical fatigue, and he lost in only the second round of the French Open. He lost the world number 1 ranking this year to Carlos Moya, and later Yevgeney Kafelnikov.

However, his form and desire appear to have been renewed with the switch to grass-courts, the surface he has been most dominant on. He did struggle to beat lesser lights Lleyton Hewitt and Tim Henman in tight 3 set matches, but that he came through shows much for his determination. A further sign of his recommitment to the game is in his intention to play for the USA in the Davis Cup, a tournament he had previously snubbed.

It must be remembered also that this time last year he was in a similar situation. Sampras made up for a disappointing year by capturing his 5th Wimbledon crown. So don't be surprised if, despite the press on his lack of form; Pete Sampras steps up to claim his 6th Wimbledon trophy, and in so doing securing his place in tennis history.

Tournament News

At Queens Pete Sampras reclaimed the number 1 spot, and won his first title for the year at Queens. He beat local favourite Tim Henman in a tough 3 setter, 6-7 (1-7), 6-4, 7-6 (7-4).

Patrick Rafter has continued his good form by winning his 3rd career grass-court title at Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands. The Australian beat Andrei Pavel of Romania by 3-6, 7-6 (9-7), 6-4.

Cedric Pioline, now in his 30's; has belied his age by winning the Nottingham Open. He beat Kevin Ullyett of South Africa by 6-3, 7-5.

Finally, back on the clay-courts, Fernando Vicente won the Merano Open in Italy by beating Hicham Arazi. He won by 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (7-1).

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