ITF makes Sampras pledge
Ricci Bitti offers Davis Cup replicas
International Tennis Federation president Francesco Ricci Bitti has vowed to replace the Davis Cup trophies taken from Pete Sampras.
American Sampras on Wednesday announced most of the silverware accumulated from his hugely-successful career had been stolen from a storage warehouse in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Times reported thieves had made off with nearly all the trophies from his 64 tour wins, two Davis Cup victories, an Olympic ring and six crowns for his world number one ranking from 1993 to 1998.
Only one of his 14 grand slam trophies – the first one he won at the Australian Open in 1994 – had gone, however.
ITF chief Ricci Bitti yesterday said his organisation would replace the Davis Cup trophies.
He said: “We were sorry to learn of the theft of so many of Pete Sampras’ trophies.
“We know how special a Davis Cup victory is for a player, and if he is unable to recover the loss of his two Davis Cup trophies, we would like to offer him a replica trophy in recognition of his outstanding record in the event.”
Sampras told the LA Times on Wednesday: “Losing this stuff is like having the history of my tennis life taken away.”
He is hoping to get them back so he can show them to his two children.
“I’m not one to gloat about trophies, or show them off. I’ve never been like that. They didn’t see me play, but I would like them to see these things.
“I know this is a long shot, but I would regret it if I didn’t at least try. Maybe somebody knows something. That’s all I can hope for.”