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The Sampras factor

To play Pete Sampras in singles or not play him. That's the big question ahead of Thursday's draw for this weekend's historic Davis Cup quarter-final between the United States and Australia.

Sampras, a late addition to the team, says he has signed up for doubles duty only, loathe to steal the thunder of the players who saved the US team from defeat against Britain in the first round.

The Australians seem convinced that the Wimbledon champion will loom large in Friday's opening matches in the Centennial Celebration at Longwood Cricket Club.

Australian captain John Newcombe set the tone for the visitors' slant on the Sampras factor.

"I would be very surprised if he didn't," Newcombe said this week. "Why would they have Pete sitting on the bench? I'm not trying to force him to play. I hope he stays on the bench for three days."

Patrick Rafter, poised to claim the world No 1 ranking from Sampras a week after the Davis Cup matches, said: "I think we are thinking that he (Sampras) still might play. I don't think he's come all this way to sit on the sideline and watch."

Sampras originally ruled himself out of the Davis Cup, saying he preferred to focus on finishing another year as number one. But seeing Todd Martin and Jim Courier, whose stirring five-set win over Greg Rusedski in the fifth match clinched the first-round tie in Birmingham, moved Sampras to rejoin the team.

"To be honest, what Jim and Todd did in England was an inspiration to myself," Sampras said. "If Todd or Jim got hurt and they couldn't play, then I would play. But unless that happened, I don't think it's right. I think those guys deserve to play singles and it's their show."

His Davis Cup teammates don't sound so sure.

"I think we've made it very clear to Pete that once you're on the team, you're on the team," said Courier, who has played on 13 tie-winning US Davis Cup teams without once tasting team defeat.
"There's no reason for awkward feelings. It's time to go out and try to win three matches before the Australians do. It's a simple concept."

Said Martin: "I've told Tom (captain Gullikson) that I think we should have the best team out on the court."

Besides the singles question, there is the doubles question. If Sampras plays doubles, it is not clear who he would be teamed with, having played doubles with both Martin and Courier in the past but not with the fourth member of the US team - doubles specialist Alex O'Brien.

There is also a doubles question on the Australian side.

Joining Rafter in singles is up-and-comer Lleyton Hewitt, 18, but with the absence of doubles stalwart Todd Woodbridge due to injury and poor recent form, it is not clear what duo Newcombe will settle on.

Rafter might also play in doubles with Sandon Stolle or Mark Woodforde.

UNI