Certainly this appeared to be the case at this year's US Open. In previous weeks on the same hardcourt surface, Sampras beat Agassi twice, with the Las Vegan failing to capture a set. Sampras also beat Rafter in straight sets in an event prior to the last grand slam of the year. Sampras appeared certain to win the US Open, but was forced to retire through injury before hitting a ball. This has continued a run of hard luck for the American, who was also forced to retire in last year's US Open. Earlier this year Sampras was unable to compete in the Australian Open, citing physical and mental exhaustion after after an overwhelming work load in late 1998. He then fought with poor form and injuries from the French Open through to the first events on grass leading up to Wimbledon. Agassi reached the Wimbledon final as French Open champion, but was destroyed by Sampras in straight sets.
So in analysis, Agassi won 2 grand slams and made the final of another as well as the ATP Tour World Championships. But Sampras won that event, as well as Wimbledon and held a 4-1 head to head record for the year. Considering how much he's been injured and how easily he has beaten Agassi in all but one of their meetings this year, he is definitely the real number 1 in my mind, even if Agassi did achieve more than him on paper.
Tennis News
Australia has won the final of the last Davis Cup of the century, beating France by 3 rubbers to 2. Mark Phillipossis was the hero, winning both of his singles rubbers.
That's all for this year. Hope you have a happy christmas, and all the best for new year's as well. Cheers!
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