[情報] Goodbye Sampras
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Goodbye Sampras
Reeling off a list of memorable matches in 2003 is easy. Pondering the best way
to change the tour calendars is difficult. Acknowledging that Pete Sampras has
finally retired is even more so for James Buddell, who first watched the
American at a Wimbledon warm-up tournament back in 1987.
視頻：US Open Final: Highlights of Agassi v Sampras
At Sampras' special farewell ceremony on the opening night of the U.S. Open
this year, John McEnroe enthused: "When you know half of the players in the
locker room idolise you and the other half try to play like you, you know
you're in good company".
He was right.
Growing up watching the game's ultimate shot-making stylist has been a pleasure
; attempting to mimic the great champion, sportsman and role model a challenge
for every young player.
Remembering the 17-year-old Sampras at Beckenham, in a leafy area of northwest
Kent, practising his new one-handed backhand and improving an awful volley
reminds me of how Billie Jean King and Maria Bueno that evening professed the
talent the right-hander had on offer.
His first coach Dr Pete Fisher always believed he would win Wimbledon and that
he'd be the greatest player of all-time. Eventually King and Bueno agreed with
such formative judgment over dinner.
He may not have been the first of America's feted generation - consisting Andre
Agassi, Michael Chang, Jim Courier and Malvai Washington - to attain a Grand
Slam win, the world number one ranking nor finish his career with the complete
set of major titles.
He may have rued the missed opportunities early in his career to have a real
crack at the elusive French Open crown.
But Sampras doesn't shed a tear.
It was always his goal to be mentioned in the same breath as Rod Laver, Ken
Rosewall and Lew Hoad those classy Australians who made winning with effortless
grace an art form.
By the end of his 15-year professional career, encompassing record-breaking
achievement: 14 Grand Slam titles, 286 weeks at number one, six consecutive
years (1993-98) as world champion. A vast legacy remains.
"His passion for excellence and dedication to success make him a model athlete
that will be celebrated for generations to come", announced Association of
Tennis Professionals chief Mark Miles.
Dominating every player of his generation, the Pancho Gonzales service action,
the devastating volleys, the masterful movement, the running forehands, the
slam-dunk smash are all now yesterday's treasures.
Perfection will be sorely missed.
Eurosport - jbuddell@eurosport.co.uk
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