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Sampras Surpasses the Greats

© Joel Hunt

Pete Sampras has won his record breaking 13th Grand Slam title, defeating Patrick Rafter by 6-7 (10-12), 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, 6-2. It was his 7th Wimbledon crown, and his third in succession. He is now the most successful player at the prestigious tournament in history, and has surpassed all other players in number of grand slams won. Sampras overcame tendonitis above his left ankle to win the tournament, and sealing his place in history.

Pat Rafter made a great effort to reach his first Wimbledon final, rising to the occasion after being plagued with injuries for the past 10 months. This was particularly considering he was publicly considering retirement a few weeks back, such was his frustration with a chronically injured shoulder.

His 5 set win over Andre Agassi in the semi-final was a masterpiece. Agassi was playing at his absolute best, blasting passing shots and cold winners from every part of the court. But Rafter stayed with him, and in the 5th set produced some incredible volley saves and ground-strokes of his own to bury the American. This made up for a mediocre performance against Agassi in last year's semis, in which Rafter was thrashed in straight sets.

In the final Rafter stayed with Sampras, and looked to be taking the ascendancy when had taken the first set and held a 4-1 lead in the tie breaker. However, he then lost his nerve and Sampras proceeded to rattle off the next 5 points in succession. From there Rafter looked overwhelmed, and Sampras disposed of him in quick time with a 4 set victory. Rafter can however be justifiably proud of his efforts at the tournament. He has now moved to number 13 in the ATP Tour Champion's Race, while Sampras weighs in at 3.

Davis Cup News

Australia has beaten Brazil by 5-0 in the first semi-final of the main group of the Davis Cup. Pat Rafter made a triumphant return to the competition, winning both of his singles matches including and emphatic straight sets win over French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten.

The USA is gearing up to play its semi-final against Spain without Pete Sampras or Andre Agassi, both of whom have withdrawn with injury. In desperation, 41 year old USA Captain John MacEnroe has named himself in the squad to take on Spain. Other members include Todd Martin, Jan-Michael Gambill, Chris Woodruff and Vince Spadea. MacEnroe said he would only play in the doubles if he ends up playing, with Martin and Gambill; the latter a recent Wimbledon quarter-finalist, earmarked for those positions.

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