Marion Bartoli enthralled to play with her idol Pete Sampras – Tennis News
World number 10, Marion Bartoli, was too excited to have a short timed warm-up session with the best player of his era, Pete Sampras. It was more than a dream come true, as she has wanted to meet the former world number one of
America since her childhood.
The number one Frenchwoman was the second seed contestant in the Bank of West Classic tournament, contested in Stanford, California. However, the tips of Sampras probably didn’t help her a lot as she bowed out to the inferior ranked
player in the quarter-finals of the tournament. Belgian number one and the fifth seed contestant, Yanina Wickmayer, stood in her way on the eve of Friday. However, her loss was probably overwritten by the accomplishment of her long-awaited dream after she
met Sampras.
Commenting about her meeting with Sampras, Bartoli stated, “I had an extra pleasure and honour. But I was so stressed at the start. I could barely hold my racquet. I hope he enjoyed playing with me. I never used to dream of winning
a Grand Slam, I’d dream of playing with him. I had posters of him all over my bedroom. I’m so, so, so happy.”
Ironically, she was a big fan of another tennis greats, the former world number one Andre Agassi. However, she drifted her interest in the game style of Sampras and started liking him more. Her mother was pro-Agassi so both of
them sat in the different rows when both the legends of the tennis world went head-to-head with one another.
She further added, “When Pete lost, I could be depressed for a week. I will never forget playing with him. He’s a great champion, someone who did not over-act on court.” It was ought to happen provided the craze that was inside
Bartoli’s heart to meet Sampras.
Sampras retired almost a decade ago but is still considered to be the top player to have graced the game of tennis. He succeeded everything that a player can ever dream off and dispatched world class players at his will. He will
definitely be inducted in the list of Hall of Famers in the coming years.
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