Sampras injury is spur for Martin

Barry Newcombe13 April 2012

Pete Sampras was today expecting a severe test of his Wimbledon credentials in his first-round clash with Britain's Martin Lee.

The 30-year-old's preparations have been hampered by a rib injury picked up during practice for an exhibition match on Saturday.

Sampras asked for a Tuesday start for his campaign to win an eighth men's singles title, but it came too late to change the order of play.

Lee, the 24-year-old from Sussex, faces an opponent who may not be able to do himself justice.

Sampras felt a twinge in his back on Saturday, sufficient for him to stand down from an invitation event at Stoke Poges.

Wimbledon had been concerned for several weeks about the first match, knowing that the defending champion, Goran Ivanisevic, would not be able to play because of a seriously injured shoulder, which requires surgery.

When Sampras and Lee came out as a first-round pairing, Wimbledon's prayers appeared to be answered.

But in fact Andre Agassi, the 1992 champion, was due to open Wimbledon against Harel Levy of Israel, with Sampras taking on Lee in the third match on the Centre Court programme.

Lee has used the skills and knowledge of two Wimbledon champions to prepare him for today's clash, working out with Agassi and then practising with 1996 winner Richard Krajicek.

"Agassi was complimentary,"-said Lee, "he was pleased with the way I moved. I am fast about the court, and movement against Sampras will be very important."

Lee, who as a wild-card entry last year went out to Tim Henman in the second round on the Centre Court, is now glad of that experience.

"The first time out there was daunting. I will speak to Tim about Sampras because he has played him so many times.

" Everyone knows what Sampras's strengths are, and I know he will be looking for a high standard from the start. But I am looking forward to the challenge."

Sampras has won titles under the threat of injury, including his last Wimbledon crown two years ago.