OSAKA. Japan Apr 3: World number one Pete Sampras clinched his 25th singles title here Sunday, fighting
on a challenge from France's Lionel ‘ Roux to win the 650.000 dollar Salem Open Tennis tournament, reports AFP.
The 22-year-old from Tampa. Florida, who has won three consecutive Grand Slam events, showed why he was the world's top player by brushing aside the French qualifier 6-2.
"It's the best start (of a year) for me I've toot only twice this year, my tennis is getting better and better. Hope 3. I can keep on playing
'' said Sampras after the match
The French (Open) Is obvi ousiy going to be a very big chance for me. Grass is my best surface, but I feel each year I'm going better and better on clay. Well see what II happen this year, he added
Sampras put pressure on Roux, reaching the net faster than his opponent to break the third game of the opening set. but then going down 15-40 In the following game as Roux fired a couple of marvellous returns
But Rouxs devastating forehand misfired on the following two points, which appeared to be the only break opportunity for the Frenchman throughout the 83-minute match
With the win. which is worth 89.000 dollars. Sampras stretched his match-winning streak this season to 16 straight wins — 28 wins against two defeats overall
It was also his fifth title of the season, following his tri umphs at Sydney. Melbourne. Indian Wells and Key Biscane
Despite the loss. It was a good week for 20-year-old Roux who upset former world number one Ivan Lendl. Aaron Krickstein of the United States and Henrik Holm of Sweden, on his way to the fi-
They are players in the top 50.' he said It s a great week for me. because I won a lot of points and my ranking will be better If I can play like this week. I can improve my rank Ing very fast I hope 11 be in top 100 very soon and perhaps in the top 50’
Roux who was ranked only 210th this wvxk received the runner-up prize of 52.590 dollars. 136 points as well as 48 bonus points, to move up to his career high of approxl mately 120 in the world