Sampras: I can win French

[noanoa (noanoa)]

Sampras: I can win French
From correspondents in New York
January 22, 2003

PETE SAMPRAS is quietly preparing for another season, one which he believes
could yield the one Grand Slam title to elude him – the French Open.

"Yes I believe I can win. I will have no added pressure. This may very well be
my final shot at it," said the 14-time Grand Slam champion.

The 31-year-old American announced last month that he would prolong his
illustrious career.

For months, Sampras had refused to be drawn on his future after capturing his 14
th Grand Slam title at the US Open in September.

But in the end, his competitive nature took over.

"I really enjoy playing and competing," said the seven-time Wimbledon champion,
who admits that "staying motivated" will be his biggest challenge this season.

Sampras, who skipped the Australian Open because of a lack of preparation, plans
 to compete in the final three major championships – the French Open, Wimbledon
 and the US Open.

He said he will "not play a lot on clay" heading into Roland Garros, which
starts on May 26, and has not yet decided which tune-up events he will compete
in.

Sampras made another early exit last year at the French, losing in the first
round to Italian journeyman Andrea Gaudenzi. His best performance there was in
1996, when he reached the semi-finals.

Sampras will return to competition in February at the ATP event in San Jose,
 California.

He'll be working with his old coach Paul Annacone, who has resigned his post
with the US Tennis Association to coach Sampras full-time.

If the season goes well, Sampras said, he could go on even longer.

"I'm not 100 per cent sure either way," said the former world No.1.




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