He may have retired 12 years ago but Pete Sampras is still able to have new experiences in tennis.
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The American legend will be competing in Dubai for the very first time today when he lines up for the Micromax Indian Aces in the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) at the Hamdan Sports Complex (HSC).
The league, which started in Manila two weeks ago before moving on to Singapore and New Delhi, will reach its conclusion this weekend in the Emirates, where the three teams that still remain in contention for the title will battle it out for the inaugural crown.
Sampras, who took part in the previous IPTL stop in Delhi, joins Gael Monfils, Ana Ivanovic, Rohan Bopanna, and Sania Mirza in the Aces squad, who will be looking to maintain their lead at the top of the standings.
They will face some stiff competition though from the home team, the UAE Royals, led by world No1 Novak Djokovic and ex-world No1 Caroline Wozniacki.
Sampras did not fare well on his IPTL debut, losing to Pat Rafter comprehensively, and he admits he had to shake off the rustiness.
“Personally I was struggling a little bit, especially in my first match. I was a little bit rusty from not playing match and the format, it took me a little time to get my head around it,” Sampras told reporters in Dubai yesterday.
“Yesterday I kind of tweaked my leg a little bit so it hasn’t been a great start for me.
“But I’m feeling better. I’m going to hit a few balls tonight, get used to the court. But I think it’s a great event. I think the people seem to enjoy it.
"It’s a little bit different, with the different rules and you’ve just got to be prepared from the first point on. Because it goes quick, I learnt that the hard way.
“The IPTL has given me the opportunity to visit the world. New Delhi the last couple of days, first time in Dubai and I’ve heard a lot of great things about Dubai from other players. So I’m excited to be here. It seems this region of the world is getting a lot more popular with tennis and I’m glad I got invited.”
Sampras warmed up with Frenchman Fabrice Santoro, the coach and player for the Indian Aces, on the purpose-built court that has been set up above the Olympic pool at the HSC yesterday evening.
The 43-year-old will get another shot at Rafter when the Aces open their Dubai campaign against the Singapore Slammers today at 16:00.
While some have questioned the competitiveness of this new league, Sampras insists it is serious business and admits to feeling some pressure.
“It’s a different atmosphere than I’m used to. Usually you’re out there on your own,” he said.
"Even in Davis Cup you’re out there on your own but to have your whole team on the court and your owner, quite honestly there’s a bit of pressure there.
"I’m not quite used to it, I’m 43 years old, so it’s been a while since I’ve done this.
“So it’s fun. Everyone’s into it. It’s competitive. My opponent’s team was cheering against me when I double-faulted like six times in the last couple of days and I’m like ‘really? Are we in the juniors?’” he added laughing.
“It’s for real, it’s competitive and everybody wants to win, it’s very serious and you’ve got to be prepared for that.”
