BBC SPORT | TENNIS | Sampras rejects Olympic bid

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras will miss the Olympics but Andre Agassi will defend his title.

Sampras decided that the chance of Olympic gold came too soon after the US Open, but Agassi, who will defend his US Open crown from 28 August to 10 September, will lead the six-man team.

The rest of the team include Michael Chang, Todd Martin, Jeff Tarango and the doubles pairing of Alex O'Brien and Jared Palmer.

Team coach Stan Smith attempted to persuade the 13-time Grand Slam champion to reconsider his decision but was unsuccessful. Jan-Michael Gambill also rejected an opportunity to join the team.

Agassi will defend his Atlanta title
Despite the absence of Sampras Smith was enthusiastic about his team's chances.

"I am excited about our men's Olympic team," said Smith. "I really believe that we have a good chance to win medals in both singles and doubles."

Agassi, who won at Atlanta in 1996, is the only male player to win the Grand Slam and Olympic gold and regards his medal as one of his greatest achievements.

"Winning the Olympic gold medal is one of the greatest things that I have accomplished in my career," he said.

Martin expressed the kind of sentiment Smith wishes was shared by Sampras.

Winning the Olympic gold medal is one of the greatest things that I have accomplished in my career

Andre Agassi

"To have the opportunity to play in an event as unique as the Olympics, especially at this stage of my career, is extraordinary," said the 30-year-old Martin.

"I have always wanted to be on our Olympic team and am really looking forward to the event. It will truly be a once in a lifetime experience."

The US women's team boasts a dream time line-up of 1996 gold medalist Lindsay Davenport, Monica Seles and Venus and Serena Williams - that same quartet that won the 1999 Fed Cup.

Davenport, Seles and Venus Williams will play singles, while Wimbledon and U.S. Open doubles champions Venus and Serena Williams will go for doubles gold in Sydney.


	^^ Back to top
	Front Page \| Football \| Cricket \| Rugby Union \| Rugby League \| Tennis \| Golf \| Motorsport \| Boxing \| Athletics \| Other Sports \| Sports Talk \| In Depth \| Photo Galleries \| Audio/Video \| TV & Radio \| BBC Pundits \| Question of Sport \| Funny Old Game ------------------------------------------------------------ BBC News >> \| BBC Weather >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © MMII\|News Sources\|Privacy