Safin vs Sampras 2000 USO Final

[Vincent-C]

I think it was similar to the 1996 French Open SF vs. Kafelnikov. In both matches, Sampras's gas tank was far from full, so he put a lot of effort into winning the first set. If he won either, he probably coasts to a loss in the second set before making an early push for a break in set three so he can rely on his serve to finish off that set and be in solid shape. Instead, in both matches, he lost a tight first set and then basically threw in the towel after that.

Pete definitely could not afford a slow start that day against an on-fire Hewitt, who broke him in the first game, IIRC. Sampras did break back, but when the TB didn't go his way- well, what you said above.

 

[Galvermegs]

I think it was similar to the 1996 French Open SF vs. Kafelnikov. In both matches, Sampras's gas tank was far from full, so he put a lot of effort into winning the first set. If he won either, he probably coasts to a loss in the second set before making an early push for a break in set three so he can rely on his serve to finish off that set and be in solid shape. Instead, in both matches, he lost a tight first set and then basically threw in the towel after that.

The french open saw one of the best performances in an event from kafelnikov, and the same respectively applied to hewitt in new york. Sampras didnt completely give up but probably had no real belief against an opponent in the zone. Hewitt was generally a bad match up anyway... such as the queens final loss just before petes last wimbledon title.

 

[Galvermegs]

Pete definitely could not afford a slow start that day against an on-fire Hewitt, who broke him in the first game, IIRC. Sampras did break back, but when the TB didn't go his way- well, what you said above.

Hewitt must have gained a lot of confidence from beating roddick despite the american being in possibly better form. He really played his best at the business end of the event.

Sampras played solid against safin but it wasnt a truly special performance, and more importantly he didnt get enough recovery time. If they had modern schedules and no rain i could see sampras getting at least a set.

Even though the mens final was a bit of a let down, it still had more meaning to it than agassi coasting in australia in that final (itself following a disappointing end to the semis with rafter). The other 2 slam finals were bona fide contests at least.