Pete Sampras beats Jim Courier in Champions series opener

[NonP]

Originally Posted by thor's hammer

The Champions Series is a mix of entertainment and competition. It's not WWE, but it's not ATP either.

From an article on the Chang/Sampras match: Chang won his semifinal 6-4 over Pete Sampras, who had beaten Chang one night earlier in Florida by the exact same score.

The current format is one set per match. Not like a traditional exo where evenly matched players could afford to swap first two sets and play out the final set/breaker. Maybe Chang came out hot and Sampras didn't warm up, maybe there was some kind of agreement to even things out over more than a single evening.

I didn't see the match, and would be interested in the impressions of anyone who did, but regardless, a 6-4 win is hardly getting schooled. And Chang is indeed still a very good tennis player!

Don't have the time to write a "report," but I've got a few tidbits:

- Chang actually outserved Sampras in that match. 8 aces to 3 IIRC, including 3 in a row to start off the match (or at least Chang's 1st service game). The crowd was chuckling at the irony of it all, which obviously wasn't lost on Chang, and after giving them a "what, you guys think I'm chopped liver or something?" shrug, he then shouted to Pete, "So how does it feel now?" Laughter all around.

- But it was a ballgirl who got the biggest reaction of the night. It started out as a standard exhibition shtick, players giving the ballboy/girl a chance to hit with the pro after a supposedly grueling point (this time between Courier and Agassi). At first she couldn't even roll her serves in, so Courier went up to the center of the net and held it down in good sport. An extended rally followed, which the ballgirl won, just catching the tramline with her FH. Agassi actually tried to get to it, but was unsuccessful. As you can imagine, the arena erupted in applause.

- Chang was indeed the best player of the Fab Four that day. He certainly served well, and he hit at least 2 clean winners with his lob, which seems as good as it ever was.

- Sampras frankly didn't impress much. One thing I've noticed in his recent exos is how much pop he has lost on his serve, which was still pretty big just a year or two ago. But then he did win the whole shebang just the day before, so maybe I've happened to catch him on bad days.

- Both Agassi and Courier still can and did knock the bejesus out of the ball. Of course we already know this, but Courier's BH was really a surprise, because I don't remember him generating such pace with it, especially CC. (I didn't keep an exact count, but I doubt he fared all that worse in his BH exchanges with Agassi.) How much of that is due to the equipment or my hazy memory, I can't say.

- None of these guys are slouches at the net; even Agassi displayed some good touch up there. (For the record I do think Agassi's touch is often overlooked, but you don't really expect it in the front court apart from a few swinging volleys.) Chang and even Courier would be considered among the better net players today.

And I do agree with you on the CE being somewhere between WWE and the ATP, probably a little more towards the latter. Well, except for Mac and Connors, of course.

[Datacipher]

Originally Posted by NonP

Don't have the time to write a "report," but I've got a few tidbits:

- Chang actually outserved Sampras in that match. 8 aces to 3 IIRC, including 3 in a row to start off the match (or at least Chang's 1st service game). The crowd was chuckling at the irony of it all, which obviously wasn't lost on Chang, and after giving them a "what, you guys think I'm chopped liver or something?" shrug, he then shouted to Pete, "So how does it feel now?" Laughter all around.

- But it was a ballgirl who got the biggest reaction of the night. It started out as a standard exhibition shtick, players giving the ballboy/girl a chance to hit with the pro after a supposedly grueling point (this time between Courier and Agassi). At first she couldn't even roll her serves in, so Courier went up to the center of the net and held it down in good sport. An extended rally followed, which the ballgirl won, just catching the tramline with her FH. Agassi actually tried to get to it, but was unsuccessful. As you can imagine, the arena erupted in applause.

- Chang was indeed the best player of the Fab Four that day. He certainly served well, and he hit at least 2 clean winners with his lob, which seems as good as it ever was.

- Sampras frankly didn't impress much. One thing I've noticed in his recent exos is how much pop he has lost on his serve, which was still pretty big just a year or two ago. But then he did win the whole shebang just the day before, so maybe I've happened to catch him on bad days.

- Both Agassi and Courier still can and did knock the bejesus out of the ball. Of course we already know this, but Courier's BH was really a surprise, because I don't remember him generating such pace with it, especially CC. (I didn't keep an exact count, but I doubt he fared all that worse in his BH exchanges with Agassi.) How much of that is due to the equipment or my hazy memory, I can't say.

- None of these guys are slouches at the net; even Agassi displayed some good touch up there. (For the record I do think Agassi's touch is often overlooked, but you don't really expect it in the front court apart from a few swinging volleys.) Chang and even Courier would be considered among the better net players today.

And I do agree with you on the CE being somewhere between WWE and the ATP, probably a little more towards the latter. Well, except for Mac and Connors, of course.

Very interesting NonP. If a radar gun was present, did you notice what kind of speed Chang was getting?

Yes, Courier and Chang volley very well. Chang had surprising touch and reflexes at the net, Courier was solid. Agassi had POTENTIAL, but under pressure, he occasionally just BRICK a volley 20 feet long, with Roddick-hands.

[zagor]

Chang always volleyed well and frequently used that as B plan to mix things up, he also finished points at the net when the opportunity presented itself instead of retreating on the baseline or being caught in a no man's land while doing it, it kinda suprises me more people don't remember that (or maybe I remember it wrong), I think he would have been considered a genuine all-courter today.

Overall not that I think that high of his game(if the top dogs were on their game I always felt he'd lose)but as far as oncourt brain/tactics and mental strength go he's one of the best I've ever seen.

[thor's hammer]

It seemed like old times in Philadelphia when Pete Sampras, who collected his first professional win across the street in what you used to be The Spectrum squared off against Andre Agassi for the Champions Series title in Philadelphia.

In order to learn who he would be playing, Agassi had to wait for the second match between longtime rival Pete Sampras and icon Jimmy Connors. Once again hard play and good natured ribbing were on the agenda. Trailing 3-1 Connors staged another comeback and drew to within 5-4 before Sampras closed out the set to earn his spot in the finals.

Tennis legends shine in Philadelphia (with video)

More video...

Sampras on Champions Series Victory

Agassi Talks Tennis In Philadelphia

[Limpinhitter]

Originally Posted by NonP

* * *

- Both Agassi and Courier still can and did knock the bejesus out of the ball. Of course we already know this, but Courier's BH was really a surprise, because I don't remember him generating such pace with it, especially CC. (I didn't keep an exact count, but I doubt he fared all that worse in his BH exchanges with Agassi.) How much of that is due to the equipment or my hazy memory, I can't say.

Which is why I always chuckle at comments about how bad Courier's bh was by those who never saw him play. Courier's bh was a weapon. Not quite at Agassi's level, but, close.

Originally Posted by NonP

- None of these guys are slouches at the net; even Agassi displayed some good touch up there. (For the record I do think Agassi's touch is often overlooked, but you don't really expect it in the front court apart from a few swinging volleys.) Chang and even Courier would be considered among the better net players today.

* * *

Correct! Agassi has always been an extremely talented player in every respect, including having great touch. His only real weakness was hitting on the stretch, and the diminution of his kick serve in the later half of his career, which he explained was the result of a congential lumbar spine defect. But for that, he may have been greater than Sampras.

I also agree about Chang and Courier's net play. The best net player I've seen over the past 6-7 years is probably Nalbandian. After that maybe Ralph. So, the bar isn't that high.

[jrepac]

Nice to see Connors out there again; not too bad for 59yrs old! It's got to be rough because he's playing 40yr olds....(tho at that age he was still on the ATP tour). He does look very fit; much more than Andre or Lendl in their on-court appearances.

I think the guys take it somewhat seriously....they are getting paid to put on a competitive show here. The "old" champions tour (pre-Courier) was pretty competitive as well. If they don't put in some effort, no one will buy the tix

[Yourtenniscoach]

I'm looking forward to seeing Agassi, Chang , Courier & Todd Martin who is replacing McEnroe tomorrow night at the Target Center in Minneapolis!

[rjw]

I can't believe that I missed the series opener, not 30 miles from me...

[tennis-kid]

Originally Posted by Set Sampras

Sampras stilll owning Courier and Chang. Nothing new here to see.

Yeah there is nothing new. He has been dominating them when they were all active player

[thor's hammer]

Andre Agassi vs. John McEnroe - Champions Series Los Angeles

http://youtu.be/DRRxYGbAsUA

[Magic of tennis]

Originally Posted by zagor

Chang always volleyed well and frequently used that as B plan to mix things up, he also finished points at the net when the opportunity presented itself instead of retreating on the baseline or being caught in a no man's land while doing it, it kinda suprises me more people don't remember that (or maybe I remember it wrong), I think he would have been considered a genuine all-courter today.

Overall not that I think that high of his game(if the top dogs were on their game I always felt he'd lose)but as far as oncourt brain/tactics and mental strength go he's one of the best I've ever seen.

agreed. Chang never gives up, strong mental strength.

[ttwarrior1]

conners only lost 6 4??

need some vids and have this on network tv

[KHSOLO]

Originally Posted by Set Sampras

Sampras stilll owning Courier and Chang. Nothing new here to see.

LOL, nice

[thor's hammer]

Sampras, Agassi, Courier, McEnroe @ HSBC Cup Los Angeles

I had a one on one with Pete Sampras with a simple plastic court guard between us. I could’ve wrapped my arm around the guy for crying out loud. As soon as I started talking to Pete, 3 cameras rushed around me and focused on our conversation. Okay okay, here’s what we talked about: I asked about the Champions Tour and how it was treating him and the players’ bodies.

[NonP]

Originally Posted by Datacipher

Very interesting NonP. If a radar gun was present, did you notice what kind of speed Chang was getting?

Yes, Courier and Chang volley very well. Chang had surprising touch and reflexes at the net, Courier was solid. Agassi had POTENTIAL, but under pressure, he occasionally just BRICK a volley 20 feet long, with Roddick-hands.

Data, 1st of all sorry about the late reply. Unfortunately there was no radar gun present, but according to my own optical (and admittedly fallible) radar I'd say Chang clocked in at 120-125 mph tops. Certainly no more than Fed's regular serves. It was more placement than power, as one might have expected.

And speaking of which, when Agassi was warming up with Courier before the match he kept bricking the volleys 20-30 feet long, obviously with his tongue fully in the cheek. I'm sure that's a shtick he has pulled many times in exos.

Originally Posted by Limpinhitter

Correct! Agassi has always been an extremely talented player in every respect, including having great touch. His only real weakness was hitting on the stretch, and the diminution of his kick serve in the later half of his career, which he explained was the result of a congential lumbar spine defect. But for that, he may have been greater than Sampras.

But you gotta admit, Agassi didn't approach the net a whole lot to take full advantage of that supposedly great touch of his.

I also agree about Chang and Courier's net play. The best net player I've seen over the past 6-7 years is probably Nalbandian. After that maybe Ralph. So, the bar isn't that high.

Hmm... not so sure about this. Both are two-handers, so there's that additional hassle of a grip change for the volley. And I think Fish for one is more comfortable at the net.

But you did say "net player," which isn't exactly the same thing as "volleyer."

[Datacipher]

Originally Posted by NonP

Data, 1st of all sorry about the late reply. Unfortunately there was no radar gun present, but according to my own optical (and admittedly fallible) radar I'd say Chang clocked in at 120-125 mph tops. Certainly no more than Fed's regular serves. It was more placement than power, as one might have expected.

I would give quite a bit of credence to your optical radar, given all the good posts I've read from you before. Yes, that speed range, is about where I would expect Chang to top out now...I notice that in the seniors, he's hit some big flat serves, lots of power, but doesn't throw his small body into it quite the same way when he was really trying to unload in the halcyon days. (maybe that's good....maybe his percentages are better!) At the same time, if he uses a big babo, it probably gives an extra "free" 5mph over his Chang POG.

Originally Posted by NonP

And speaking of which, when Agassi was warming up with Courier before the match he kept bricking the volleys 20-30 feet long, obviously with his tongue fully in the cheek. I'm sure that's a shtick he has pulled many times in exos."

Funny! Agassi was the worst I remember for the groaner volley....I saw him volley very well in practice a couple of times....then at say...the USO, he's suddenly rush the net, but actually at a good time, getting a really weak, high return, still he'd look rushed, run through it, and volley it into a linesman at the back. The crowd groans....LOL

Originally Posted by NonP

Hmm... not so sure about this. Both are two-handers, so there's that additional hassle of a grip change for the volley. And I think Fish for one is more comfortable at the net.
"

Talking about top players perhaps? We almost always are to some degree...otherwise names like Leander Paes, and Richey Reneberg would be brought up a lot