 Sampras won 14 Grand Slam titles |
Pete Sampras is to play competitive tennis again after agreeing to compete in the World Team Tennis Pro League more than three years after retiring. But the former world number one, who is now 34, has ruled out all talk of a comeback at the top level.
"This is more about getting myself a little busier and focused on something I used to be good at," he said.
His last professional match was the 2002 US Open final, when he beat Andre Agassi for his 14th Grand Slam title.
"I miss playing the game. I miss the majors. I miss competing. But to play at the level I used to play is a whole other animal. I've done that, and I know what it takes," he said.
"Me playing a little tennis this year is something I can control. There isn't any pressure. I can relax and have a little fun. Coming back is not something that crossed my mind."
The WTT is a 12-team league that has featured such stars as Agassi, Steffi Graf, John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Andy Roddick and Venus Williams.
Sampras, who won the Wimbledon men's singles title seven times, expects to play about six matches during the 6-26 July regular season.
MMIX
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