New York, Aug 25: Pete Sampras will return to a tennis court one last time - to say goodbye. The owner of a record 14 grand slam singles titles has not played a match since winning the 2002 US Open, though he never officially announced he was quitting the sport.

That will change at a news conference on Monday, when Sampras also will be feted at Arthur Ashe Stadium on the opening night of this year's US Open. In keeping with Sampras' mute public style, the news came via an e-mailed statement from his representatives yesterday.

"He was just one of the most graceful players of all time, one of the most quietly competitive players of all time, one of the best pressure players of all time," said Andy Roddick, who's seeded fourth at the open. "The bigger the match was, the better he played. And he didn't make a big fuss about things. He just made his name by winning."

Sampras, 32, leaves with 64 singles titles, and he was ranked no. 1 for a record six years (1993-98). His collection of major titles includes a record-tying seven Wimbledons, five US Opens and two Australian Opens. He will forever be associated with the All England Club, where his strong serve, crisp volleys and booming forehand made him nearly unbeatable on grass.

Bureau Report