He Gets In First Serve and the Last Laugh

Et tu_____. I’m sure Pete Sampras could fill in several blanks with the names of those who gave up on him. But they hadn’t taken his measure.

Didn’t they see him play through tears for a deceased coach and friend, through dehydration and shin splints?

Don’t they know this man is all heart, something we didn’t give him credit for early on.

Well, Pete can play until he’s 50. I’ll still watch because he’s the greatest tennis player ever, and we should never underestimate his ability to astound.

Carolyn Russell

Long Beach

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While the ATP has been touting the younger U.S. players in an ill-conceived ad campaign, “New Balls Please,” the legends of tennis, Pete Sampras at 31 and Andre Agassi at 32, outplayed the younger players over two weeks to give tennis enthusiasts everywhere the thrills of a lifetime.

Dan Anzel

Los Angeles

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I watched the U.S. Open women’s final between the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, and never have I seen such choreography. What a put-on. How many double faults were there?

Once in a while, the sisters would volley the ball back and forth and then either one would hit the ball in the net. You could tell by the applause that the spectators weren’t being fooled.

Jack S. Koba

Monterey Park