| | Associated Press
WIMBLEDON, England -- Pete Sampras has a word for the
Spanish protest at Wimbledon: childish.
The six-time champion had little sympathy for Spaniards Alex
Corretja and Albert Costa after their withdrawal Sunday. They were
angered at not being seeded in the top 16 despite being ranked in
the top 16 by the ATP.
"You really try to rise above it instead of being a little
childish about it and going home," Sampras said Monday after
beating Jiri Vanek 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 in his opening match. "It's a bit
disappointing."
Unlike the three other Grand Slams, Wimbledon seeds players
according to their ability on grass instead of using the ATP
ranking. Both Wimbledon and ATP Tour officials have agreed to look
at a new seeding system for Wimbledon.
"They did have their reasons why they didn't play," Sampras
said. "It's just disappointing. You know, this is the biggest
event we have in the game. Everybody should play it."
Sampras, who was seeded No. 2 in the French Open and lost in the
first round to Mark Philippoussis, said he'd be happy not being
seeded at Roland Garros.
"If I wasn't seeded at the French Open that would be fine by
me," he said. "As long as I don't have to play Philippoussis (in
the first round)."
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