 I know what it takes to be competitive and I'm just not there right now |
Pete Sampras has declined invitations to play at this year's Wimbledon and French Open. The 31-year-old confirmed the news at an NBA play-off game on Thursday.
"I pulled out of Wimbledon," he said.
"It will be tough sitting at home and watching Wimbledon on television but I know what it will take to be the best.
"I don't play just to play. I set the bar high and I want to be the best. Right now I just don't have it."
Sampras has not competed in an ATP Tour event since winning the US Open last September.
His withdrawal from the next two Grand Slams is bound to increase speculation that his illustrious career is now over.
I'd be surprised to see him play again but I'm not going to write him off |
But the American insisted: "Retirement, I'm not quite there yet. There might be a chance I would play some next year."
Sampras has entered several tournaments this season but pulled out of each.
His last competitive match was last year's US Open final, in which he beat compatriot Andre Agassi to claim a 14th Grand Slam singles title.
Sampras has one of the finest records in the history of men's tennis.
He has spent a record 286 weeks as world number one, has 64 career titles and has earned more then �26m in prize money.
MMIX
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