Sampras returns to the LA Open
Last night, I was fortunate enough to witness a living legend work his craft. I saw Pete Sampras play Marat Safin in an exhibition singles match in front of a sold out UCLA stadium. As a young junior tennis player, Pete was the one I looked up to the most. I wanted to mirror my game in virtually every aspect of his. Nothing was greater then watching this man serve and volley, while his opponents helplessly tried to find some way to beat him. In his prime there was no one better. He truly is the greatest tennis player to walk this earth.
Last night Sampras held true to form, and every point in which he served he ended it at the net. During the whole match he got broken one time. Safin came up with some pretty big returns and even bigger backhands. What was great about last night, was the fact I was once again a kid watching his hero. I got to see a true serve and vollier from start to finish. This was no Taylor Dent, this was no Andy Roddick. This was a guy who actually knew how to execute this style and prove that it still works in todays game.
I saw approach volleys and drop shots that have been absent from the tour ever since the retirement of Pistol. I saw pin point accuracy in serves followed but majestical footwork to create the perfect volley position. I saw Safin struggle to barely pull the match out in a ten point tie breaker for the third.
Last night was great, and was something I have wanted to see my whole life. Gone are the days where players know how to set up a closing volley with an approach volley. Gone are the days where there is variety in the game. Gone are the days where my idol, Pete Sampras dominated tennis. Last night was just a glimmer of the past. Thank you Pete-
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- John Wooden, very blury, sorry IPHONE
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- Veronica Vaughn aka Sampras’ wife
