Sampras Won’t Wear Coaching Hat

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 27th January 2014

Sampras Won’t Wear Coaching Hat

epa04042121 Tennis legend Pete Sampras presents the trophy before the men's final match between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland, at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 26 January 2014. EPA/NARENDRA SHRESTHA |

Editors note: We are sorry to hear that Pete Sampras was a “paid ” visitor to the Auzzie open. It was as if “Darth Vader ” showed up. He didn’t wear a tie in the AO “royal box ” ? He stated he had never seen Rafael Nadal play live ? TV ? He was his usual smug self in describing everything. And our favorite he was one of three guys that didn’t show up in NYC last U.S. Open to be part of all the former number one in the worlds celebration. The three missing amigos: Boris Becker ,Andre Agassi , and Pete Sampras. From the moment “Darth ” showed up it was the end of Roger , and Rafa. Pete’s heart of a champion was all left on the court somewhere years ago ? He is no friend of the sport. Pete took from it. Never gave back. Lives in Pete’s worlds . Golf. Poker. Dad. Family man. Hollywood type facade. Did he really get paid to be there ? First class on travel ? Six figures to make a few appearances ? He really doesn’t want his records broken. Won’t accept that he made big money but today’s money is more …. The players are fitter and better …. The game always changes. … How much ? $$$$$$

Pete Sampras attended the Australian Open in celebration of the 20th anniversary of his 1994 title win and met up with a bunch of his former playing peers including Michael Chang, Jim Courier, Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg, all of who are coaching in some capacity. But the 14-time Grand Slam champion has no intention of putting a coach’s hat on himself.

“It’s not for me,” he said. “I’ve been asked by a couple guys. But the travel, to go on the road, do all that they’re doing is not something that I’m interested in.”

Sampras does think that Edberg who is coaching Federer, has done a good job with the Swiss. At the Australian Open, Federer was impressive in taking out Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Andy Murray.

“I think it’s a good match,” Sampras said. “Stefan is a great guy, first of all. He knows the game. He’s very relaxed. He’s not one of those personalities that is so upbeat. He’ll be good for Roger. And he knows the game. He’s been in those situations.

Roger’s obviously a great player, won 17 majors, doing pretty well with his coaches. Sometimes you just get to a point where you need to hear a different voice. It’s a good match.”

Sampras, who played his entire career with a Wilson Pro Staff and never changed to a larger frame, even during the last two years of his career when he struggled, likes what he sees out of Federer and his new Wilson. Like Sampras, Federer resisted a change for years but has finally gone up to 98-inch Wilson after trying out different frames for about seven months.

“I just know he’s confident with it now,” Sampras said. “I know he tried it last year. I’m not sure Roger needed to panic, like he needed to change something. But he’s confident in this racquet that maybe it’s helping him, maybe a little more speed on the serve, maybe a little bit easier with the high backhand. Once you get to that that confident stage with the racquet and get through tough matches, you’re at peace. I think Roger is at peace with his technology and is well on his way.”

Topics: 10sballs, Australian Open, Boris Becker, Ivan Lendl, Jim Courier, Jo Wilfried Tsonga, Michael Chang, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, Sports, Stefan Edberg, Tennis, Tennis News