[February 4, 2003. The Associated Press]
U.S. Open champion Pete Sampras pulled out of next week's tournament in
San Jose, his first of the year, because he is still unsure of his future,
a tournament organiser said on Tuesday.
Tournament chairman Barry MacKay said after speaking to Sampras and his
coach Paul Annacone on Monday, he felt one of the reasons why Sampras
withdrew was because the 14-times grand slam champion was still considering
his future.
"Pete is still vexed by the big picture of his career," MacKay told Reuters.
"I think it's a combination of him not feeling prepared physically to come
back and play at a high level and him not being 100 percent mentally
committed to returning.
"Pete told me, 'I'm just not ready to play yet."'
Sampras, who has not competed since winning the U.S. Open in September,
said he is not prepared to play a tournament. He and his wife, actress
Bridgette Wilson, became first-time parents in November.
The Siebel Open begins Feb. 10 in San Jose, Calif. Australian Open winner
Andre Agassi is entered, along with Michael Chang, who will begin his
farewell tour in this tournament, and James Blake.
Earlier on Tuesday, Sampras released a statement through his agent
announcing his withdrawal.
``Unfortunately, I will be postponing my return to the competitive
arena and am withdrawing,'' Sampras said in a statement released by
his agent. ``Although I have made significant progress in recent
weeks, I am not fully prepared to compete at the highest level.
``It is disappointing to be unable to participate in San Jose, where
I have enjoyed many successes in the past.''
The 31-year-old Sampras, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, won his 14th
Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open.
Siebel Open tournament chairman Barry MacKay expressed his displeasure
that Sampras backed out of the event.
``Obviously, a late withdrawal such as this is extremely disappointing
and will make our entire tournament staff work even harder for a successful
event,'' MacKay said. ``The 2003 Siebel Open already has an extremely strong
international field of players.''
Sampras is next scheduled to play a tournament in Scottsdale, Arizona
that begins on March 3.
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