Aces tarnish Sampras’ return

NEWPORT BEACH ? Along with the privilege of being the first to witness Pete Sampras play professionally since the 2002 U.S. Open, Newport Beach Breakers fans received an unwelcome guest that arrived with Sampras: rust.

The serve and, to a lesser degree, the volley that propelled Sampras to 14 Grand Slam titles, including a record seven Wimbledon titles, were in top form. But other aspects of his game were in need of a polish.

Sampras’ return of serve came up short in the final set and the Breakers lost, 22-20, to the St. Louis Aces at the Palisades Tennis Club. John Paul Fruttero blasted an ace past Sampras, who played both singles and doubles, for the match winner.

“I haven’t played too many competitive points,” Sampras said. “I had trouble getting a handle on my return. It’s a little rust. I’m going to have to deal with it. I’m going to keep getting better and better.”

An ever-improving Sampras could spell trouble for the rest of World Team Tennis because the 35-year old is scheduled to play six road matches this season. There are other conditions Sampras will also have to become accustomed to in the WTT.

“I haven’t played a match under lights in years,” he said. “It was difficult picking up the ball. I haven’t played doubles in like 12 years. When you practice, there are things you can get away with.”

Sampras said his body, which played a part in his retirement following his 2002 U.S. Open title, was not back to its old form, but was feeling strong afterward.

“My body is holding up,” Sampras said. “I drove here and I’m going to be able to drive back.”

While Sampras was not satisfied with his performance ? he showed signs of frustration during his singles match ? the sellout crowd received more than a taste of a tennis legend.

Sampras’ serve was on throughout both the doubles and singles sets. He was never broken in six games, while blasting at least two aces in each game. The Aces’ Brian Wilson was blown away by not only Sampras’ serve but the opportunity to play against him.

“It was awesome, such an honor,” Wilson said. “He hits every line with his serve. He’s got everything.”

Sampras also had his competitive fire burning again. While warming up Ramon Delgado before Delgado’s mixed doubles match, Sampras became stone faced and relentlessly rocketed shots back at Delgado. When serving to fans prior to his doubles match, Sampras could not help himself when he saw a return lofted over the net. He quickly moved in and deftly put the ball away in the opposite corner.

“I’m still competitive. I want to play well,” Sampras said. dpt-breakers.CGraphicInfoBC1SQJPA20060711BC1SQJPA(LA)dpt.11-tennis-4-kt-CPhotoInfoBC1SQOV520060711j2854jnc(LA)Former UC Irvine and Newport Beach Dukes Coach Greg Patton congratulates St. Louis’ Maria Emilia Salerni during Aces’ win Monday.

dpt.11-tennis-sampras-2-CPhotoInfoBC1SQOKE20060711j284t0ncPHOTOS BY KENT TREPTOW / DAILY PILOT(LA)Pete Sampras, who made his Newport Beach Breakers debut, returns a shot as teammate Ramon Delgado backs him up in Monday’s loss to St. Louis.