Pete Sampras v Gustavo Kuerten

These two guys played 3 matches against eachother. In 2000, they played two incredible matches - the Miami final and the Masters Cup semifinal in Lisbon. In each match, the Tennis was phenomenal and Kuerten is such an all round player. They brought out the best in eachother.

I think it's a shame they didn't get to play more matches against eachother.

Your thoughts...

[The Gorilla]

miami was very one sided

Originally Posted by The Gorilla

miami was very one sided

The score was 6-1 6-7 7-6 7-6 to Sampras in 3hrs and 30 minutes.

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

Originally Posted by The Gorilla

miami was very one sided

I was at that match and the first set was the only one sided part of that match. IMO, it was a well contested match.

[The Gorilla]

sorry, I obviously only remember the first set

Originally Posted by MEAC_ALLAMERICAN

I was at that match and the first set was the only one sided part of that match. IMO, it was a well contested match.

You were there??

Was that one of the best atmosphere's you've ever experienced? It seemed electric and the players thrived in it.

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

Originally Posted by The Gorilla

sorry, I obviously only remember the first set

Sorry man, I was just giving my opinion and whatever you "obviously" remembered? I wasn't trying to change yours...

[The Gorilla]

no, I meant what I said literally, no offense.

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

Originally Posted by laurie

You were there??

Was that one of the best atmosphere's you've ever experienced? It seemed electric and the players thrived in it.

Granted I was only 12, and it was my first professional tournament in the USA, it was really exciting. Kuerten got overwhelmed in the 1st set and could have easily won the 3rd and 4th set Pete served well in key situations, especially the 4th set. That was also my first time seeing Sampras, Hewitt and Agassi play in person.

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

Originally Posted by The Gorilla

no, I meant what I said literally, no offense.

I am sorry man, I wasn't offended at all. Just that some people takes things really seriously on this message board, when someone doesn't agree with them...

Not trying to cause any trouble, just talk (type) about tennis.

[The Gorilla]

np .

That's why I think it's a pity these two didn't play more often - they are both very stylish players and shotmakers.

I also believe they like and respect eachother.

[Dark Victory]

Kuerten matched up well against Pete on hardcourts and indoor surfaces. His stronger, more consistent backhand was a weapon and he had the pop on his groundies to keep Pete honest. Guga was a fierce competitor too.

[slice bh compliment]

Those two were my favorites at the time. Great matches mentioned. I remember thinking if that Key Biscayne match had gone 5, it was all Guga. Sensed Pete knew that as well.

You could tell they genuinely liked playing eachother, too.
Not really fair to compare their careers, but they're both enshrinable in the ITHOF.

Miss them both.

Also about that Miami match, Sampras actually served for the second set and got broken. After the match he said they were new balls and the balls were flying off his racquet. It was good for the final that he got broken and it became a dogfight, Kuerten hit a great lob to break.

Bu I wonder how many times in Sampras' career he served for a set or a match and got broken?

[nk126]

Guga! Oh man, I loved that guy ... prolly b/c I'm bald, ha!