Sampras performs third no-show

Pete Sampras took a step nearer retirement yesterday, pulling out of his third tournament in a row and admitting he still feels no inclination to return to competitive tennis.

To no one's great surprise Sampras withdrew from the Masters Series event in Indian Wells at the 11th hour, just as he has withdrawn from events in San Jose and Scottsdale in recent weeks. "We wish Pete and his family well while he considers his future," said the Indian Wells tournament director Charlie Pasarell.

He has not played since winning his 14th grand slam title at the US Open in September, beating his great rival Andre Agassi in a fairy-tale final.

Despite considering retirement after that he announced in December he intended to keep playing and entered a string of events. One by one he has pulled out, appearing more interested in domesticity.

In November his wife Bridgette gave birth to their first child, Christian, and the Sampras family recently put their house in Los Angeles on the market, signs that suggest his mind is further away from the court than ever. He dispensed with the services of key members of his support staff at the end of last year though, on paper, he is still working with his coach Paul Annacone.

It is conceivable Sampras intends a swansong at Wimbledon, where he has been champion seven times. His second-round defeat there last year to George Bastl still smarts. However, unless he starts playing again soon he will arrive at Wimbledon under-prepared. He might be better served by allowing the triumph over Agassi in New York to stand as his last match rather than risk ending on a low note.