Pete Sampras is "searching for reasons" to return to the tennis circuit, according to his brother.

Gus Sampras is the tournament director of the ATP's Scottsdale event, where the US Open champion is next scheduled to play.

He has pulled out of next week's tournament in San Jose because he is still not ready to return to the circuit, and may not travel to Arizona the following week.

He hasn't been playing enough sets and doesn't feel match tough Gus Sampras on brother Pete

Gus Sampras said that while the former world number one had not yet pulled out of his event, he was not quite mentally ready to begin playing again.

He said: "Pete's still searching for reasons to come back.

"At the end of the day, playing well at the French Open or trying to win Wimbledon again might not be enough to get him back.

"But I haven't got the feeling that he is ready to retire tomorrow."

Urge to play

Sampras has not played a tournament since winning the US Open in September - his 14th Grand Slam career win.

He withdrew from the San Jose tournament, his first of the year, on Tuesday, saying he wasn't fully prepared for the event.

Gus Sampras, who spoke to his younger sibling on Monday, said he would not be surprised if Pete retired.

But he felt that his brother would get the urge to play again once the season progresses.

"He told (me) he's just not ready now," Gus said. "He's been working out a lot off court and doing some hitting.

"But he hasn't been playing enough sets and doesn't feel match tough.

"It's hard to get going at the beginning of the year, especially when you haven't played in so long. But I'm hoping he'll be ready to play here."

The Scottsdale tournament begins on 3 March.