| | Associated Press
Results
DUESSELDORF, Germany -- Pete Sampras had another setback in
his tune-up for the French Open when he lost in three sets Sunday
to Dominik Hrbaty at the World Team Cup.
Sampras, a former No. 1, rolled through the first set but went
on to lose 0-6, 6-4, 6-4 in cold and wet weather.
That also sealed Slovakia's victory over the United States at
the $1.9 million team competition.
The Slovaks won both singles and have an unbeatable 2-0 lead
before the doubles, which will be played Monday because of a long
rain delay Sunday.
In the opening singles, Karol Kucera beat Vince Spadea 6-3, 6-3.
The clay-court event is a tune-up for the French Open, the
second Grand Slam tournament of the year that starts next Monday.
Sampras, seeking match practice after sitting out more than a
month with a thigh injury, came back at the German Open but lost in
the second round.
The World Team Cup brings together eight nations, divided into
two groups.
Under the round-robin format, each team plays three group
matches, with the winners advancing to the final.
In the second Red Group match Sunday, Germany and Sweden were
tied 1-1 at the end of the day.
Tommy Haas put Germany into the lead by beating Thomas Enqvist
5-7, 6-2, 6-2.
Mikael Tillstroem kept Sweden in the match by beating Rainer
Schuettler 6-4, 7-6 (2).
The Blue Group goes into action Monday, with Russia playing
Chile and Spain facing Australia, the defending champion. | |
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