Sampras and Safin debut at China Open's new stadium
Sept. 30 (CNTV )- First glimpse of Marat Safin - skinnier than the figure of 2009 China Open, when he retired from his tennis playing career, walked directly to the Lotus Court. Still charming and confident, the 2004 China Open champion has been surrounded by lots of women players and fans as soon as he stepped into the player lounge. The only difference in comparison of last times match in Beijing, Marat came here for the show match for the opening ceremony of the new National Tennis Court, against Sampras, former World No.1 and 14 Grand Slam single titles winner. Both are recognized as legendaries of tennis history.
This is not the first time Sampras and Safin play each other. The two faced off during the final of the 2000 U.S. Open where Safin defeated Sampras to claim the Mens Singles title. The result turned out to be 6-3, 6-4 with victory of Safin, whos 9 years younger than the American. Rather than fierce, however, the match is rather described played for fun. Pretending to throw his racket, Safin proved himself a good actor, while Sampras won applauses with a gentle smile. It turned out that the two not only enjoyed the match, but also offered a good time for the audience.
Then China's Zhang Shuai and Peng Shuai played with the two guests. Although the mixed doubles only played! a tie b reak, with Sampras and Zhang defeated Safin and Peng by 10-5, the grand new Center Court was definitely lit by the stars.
This is the first trip of Sampras to Beijing, Safin however returns as the first ever winner of the men's China Open singles title, which he won in 2004.
Sampras explained what he misses from tennis since retiring, "I miss the moment, I don't miss the stress I dont miss the travel, I don't miss being the best player in the world, but you miss the big moments in the sport," Sampras said. "When the Wimbledon final comes around I watch it and certainty there's a part of me that misses it, but you know you get to a point where you move on and you just admire the guys that are playing today."
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