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Reading isn't believing Despite reports, Sampras isn't ready to quit just yet
Updated: Monday June 25, 2001 8:07 AM
LONDON -- Mother's advice was right. Don't believe everything you read. Pete Sampras is going nowhere fast. He knows it. Jim Courier knows it. Now, we all know it. And so, thankfully, does the Sunday Telegraph journalist who reported on the eve of the tournament that the seven-time Wimbledon champion would likely quit if he won an eighth title here this year. The quote on the front page of the sports section read: "In a perfect scenario, I'd love to play my last match here this year, win it and call it a career." The headline read: "I'll quit on Centre Court". The quote was taken from an interview Courier did with Sampras on Centre Court last Thursday. Just one teeny-weeny problem. Sampras never said "this year" and plans on playing for some time yet.
The journalist in question, Neil Harman, claims there was an editing mix-up, that he didn't submit the offending words. But on the eve of the Wimbledon Championships, it caused quite a stir here at the All England Club. Other media outlets ran with the story. Some reporters, thinking they'd missed out on a major coup, scampered down to SW19, gathered around Sampras' practice court and awaited fresh word on the American's imminent departure. He had no idea what all the fuss was about and took it all in his usual laid-back style.
Not that he likes this kind of talk. Reining in his schedule, as he has the last couple of years, doesn't equate to questions on retirement for the reigning champ. Talk of the "R" word is frankly a tad annoying for Pete. He's married now, to actress Bridgette Wilson, and is back in Los Angeles getting reacquainted with family life after years based away from Mom, Dad and siblings in Florida. He has other hugely important diversions, but insists tennis remains a priority. Wimbledon's the biggest career priority of all. He's pointed out time and again this week that he has no idea when he's going to bow from the professional tennis stage. "Last year, it was all about the record, " said 29-year-old Sampras, referring to build-up to last year's tournament when he was on the brink of an all-time men's Grand Slam singles record of 13 titles. "They need something to talk about, so now it's retirement." But Sampras believes he can be a threat at Wimbledon for years to come, especially with his venomous serve which "I'll have until the day I retire." And when the day to call it quits does eventually arrive, Sampras said he'll still watch Wimbledon and "think I can pick up a racket and win there." Now, a published quote like that I could believe. Phil Jones is co-host of World Sport, the international sports show that airs live on CNN/Sports Illustrated and CNN International.
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