In July 2007, Pete Sampras was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame. During this memorable occasion, 35 members of Samprasfanz went to Rhode Island to witness the historical moment. After the ceremony, Pete met with the Samprasfanz members. What a thrill for the fanz to finally meet Pete!
Continue reading “Flashback – Pete Sampras Meets Samprasfanz at Hall of Fame”Our Samprasfanz moderator, Philip recounts his unforgettable weekend in Macau. He, along with our President, Joy Parker and her daughter Robyn, and longtime member Lily, was in Macau for the “Tennis Showdown” – an exhibition match featuring Pete Sampras against Andre Agassi and also introducing upcoming tennis players Yuki Bhambri and Ryan Harrison.
On Saturday, October 24th, we took the ferry from Hong Kong to Macau and got to the Venetian hotel around noon. After lunch we went to the mini-golf course on the 7th floor of the hotel, for the photo shoot on a purpose-built tennis court on the artificial grass. Pete and the other players arrived on schedule. He look great, a little tanned, and looked very fit indeed, more so than when I saw him in Macau 2 years ago. He was so relaxed and was smiling a lot. As the court was not a full-sized, they would just hit the ball gently, including some volleys. After the shoot, while everyone was walking back to the building, we were right behind Pete, about 10 feet or so behind. We walked a little quicker and caught up with him. Robyn called him and he turned around and saw Joy. He stopped. Pete looked very happy to see Joy and put his arm around her, “Hi Joy, how are you? Great to see you, thanks for coming.” I think Robyn may have got a photo of this so you may see this later. I didn’t remember what Joy said, or if she said anything at all, she was simply stunned (I think!) :)))
Continue reading “The Venetian Macau Tennis Showdown 2009”Location: Flushing Meadows, New York
Date: 2000 US Open Final
I have known about Pete after he won the US Open 1990 but I was not really interested in Tennis. I became a real fan of Pete since I was 14 – when he was going for his 2nd Wimbledon title in 1994.
I live in South Korea and it is kind of barren land for tennis even though we have H.T. LEE playing on the ATP Tour. (He actually played Pete at 4th round of US open in 2000). There are not much tennis broadcasted on TV but thankfully there is an internet world.
I came to the US to get more experience. My first mission on arrival was to go to Flushing Meadow to watch Pete plays at the US Open – which would be an 8-year old dream coming true. I bought the ticket 2 months in advance but I did not have the money and time to see all the matches. So I went for the final only. It would be a disaster if Pete won’t make that far!
Continue reading “Yun-Mi (South Korea)”Location: CA Trophy (Vienna, Austria)
Date: October, 1998
It’s so great, sometimes miracles just happen!
When Pete played in Vienna for the first time in 1998 I really wanted to watch him practice. But watching players practice is not usual in Vienna. So I called one of the reporters from Austrian TV (I knew he is a fan of Pete, too!) and told him about me being such a huge fan of Pete. I told him about my tape and picture collection, that I think it’s such a pity that just a few people all over the world notice what a miracle he is, that I have waited such a long time have an opportunity to see him in person and that my greatest wish is to see him practice even just once in my life. I obviously convinced him (boy, was I proud! LOL) and he arranged a meeting and organized a press card for me to put around my neck. With this little paper, almost all doors were opened for me. I felt like somebody very important!
Continue reading “Sonja Stransky (Vienna, Austria)”Location: Commonwealth Bank International (Kooyong, Austria)
Date: January 2002
After having read everyone’s accounts of their “encounters with Pete”, I felt I had to add my bit. I’ve liked Pete since 1997 and saw him live for the first time at the Australian Open in 1998. I’ve also been trying to get his autograph for a considerable number of years but without luck.
I got my chance finally at the Commonwealth Bank International when he played Alex Corretja. At this particular tournament, which I’ve been to several times, it’s really easy to stand by and watch the players go on court, because there’s no tunnel they have to go through. When it was Pete’s turn to go on, he came out flanked by security guards. I knew not to go for his autograph then as he doesn’t sign before he plays a match. I did, however, lean over and pat him on the right shoulder! I thought to myself “this may be my lucky day”. I’ve been close to him before, but never done that.
Continue reading “Sue Dodds (Australia)”Location: UCLA (California, USA)
Date: February 29, 2000
I have finally accomplished something at UCLA…
It has been the most incredible day. I saw Pete practicing at the UCLA tennis courts with Paul Annacone, which apparently was his first time practicing there.
That day I took a different route back to my apartment. I was complaining about having to walk uphill to the housing office to sign some form about my housing termination. It just goes to show like Pete said that everything happens for a reason…I noticed some people standing by the bleachers when I was about to walk by. I walked closer and stood amongst the people at the top and I peered down and thought I saw Pete. Then I figured I must be hallucinating. So I was going to make sure and ask the girl next to me. But nope, I didn’t need to! As the player flicked his hand over his upper lip to wipe off sweat – that was all the confirmation I needed. He was practicing with Paul and his sister Stella was sitting on the bench.
Continue reading “Supriya Bhat (USA)”
Samprasfanz 