Sampras talks Murray, Federer, McEnroe before Rogers Legends Cup

This year, the Rogers Cup hosts the WTA Tour in Toronto, but as was the case two years ago, several greats from the men’s game will compete in a series of exhibition matches around the competition.

One of those is Pete Sampras, who returns to Canada next month, hitting the court Aug. 13 for a Rogers Legends Cup exhibition match against John McEnroe. Sampras will also be inducted into the Rogers Cup Hall of Fame that same evening.

During a 15-minute conference call with reporters, Sampras discussed a variety of topics, including his playing days in Toronto (which he interestingly was never able to win, citing post-Wimbledon fatigue), Andy Murray’s breakthrough success during the last 12 months, Roger Federer’s new racquet, and playing against McEnroe in the semifinals of his 1990 U.S. Open title run.

“I had nothing to lose,” Sampras said, looking back at his first major championship win. “I thought my game just clicked for those two weeks.”

“I’ve always looked up to John and have gotten to know him quite well,” he added. “Hopefully we [can] play some tennis that the fans can be happy to watch, so I’m looking forward to it.”

To listen to Sampras’ Tennis Canada conference call, watch our audio slideshow which includes our photos from his appearance at the 2011 Champions Series Tennis event in Washington, D.C.

Audio Slideshow: Rogers Cup conference call with Pete Sampras, July 22, 2013

all photos by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine
audio slideshow by Yuan-Kwan Chan / Meniscus Magazine

For Rogers Cup ticket information, go to rogerscup.com.

Pete Sampras, shown here at an event in Washington, D.C., competes in the 2013 Rogers Legends Cup in August against John McEnroe, Jim Courier and Andy Roddick. (photo by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine)