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Sampras reluctant to play Davis Cup singles

Even though his teammates Jim Courier and Todd Martin have losing records against Australia's top player, Patrick Rafter, the United States' Pete Sampras is still reluctant to play singles in the upcoming Davis Cup quarter-final between the two countries.

The quarter-final will be played at the Longwood Ccricket Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, from Friday to Sunday.

"When I called (US captain) Tom Gullikson about playing this tie, it was just to play doubles,'' said Sampras, the Wimbledon champion, who refused to play the United States's opening tie against England.

''I know Todd's a nice enough guy to step aside, but it's not something I'm comfortable doing. Unless Todd or Jim get hurt, I feel Jim and Todd deserve to play singles because they went to England and won a great tie. That is what I feel is best for me and the team. I don't think it's right that I play singles. Those guys deserve to play singles and it's their show. I'm just happy to be a part of it. I just see myself playing doubles,'' Sampras said.

Courier, who was the hero of the 3-2 victory over England, said he won't be offended if he is asked to sit on the sidelines.

''We've made it very clear to Pete that once you're on the team, you're on the team,'' Courier said. ''He made it clear to us that he wanted to be on the team. We made it very clear to him that we wanted him on the team. There's no reason for any awkward feelings. It's time to go out and try to win three matches before the Australians do.''

After he lost to Rafter at Wimbledon, Martin said that he would be happy to step aside for Sampras. But on Tuesday, he emphasized that it is Gullikson's decision.

''I've told Tom that I think we should have the best team on the court,'' Martin said. ''If he thinks that I'm not part of it, that's fine. I'm not upset. I have said that I would just sit out. If Tom feels like I should be on the court, I'd like to be on the court.''

Sampras added that even if the team asked him to play singles, he might not feel right.

''It's really hard to say,'' Sampras said. ''It's something I'm not comfortable doing. If we get through this tie and I showed the commitment by being here, then I'll play singles in our next round.''

Gullikson wouldn't yet commit to a line-up, but appears to be leaning to playing Courier and Martin in singles.

''It's pretty amazing that Pete could be so humble as to come on the team and say he wants to play doubles,'' Gullikson said. ''He knows Todd and Jim have the single spots, because he feels that they've been more committed than he has over the years. Circumstances do change, but I think what you heard from Pete was his honest opinion about the way it should work. Unless the other four guys physically throw him on to the court, I don't know if he'll be playing singles unless one of the guys gets hurt.''

The Davis Cup draw will be held on Thursday. The Aussie squad has been a bit weakened over the past two weeks by an injury to US Open finalist Mark Philippoussis, who withdrew from his Wimbledon quarter-final against Sampras with a knee injury.

Two days ago, doubles standout Todd Woodbridge stunned his teammates when he pulled out of the tie, citing a lack of confidence and a sore right arm.

Aussie captain John Newcombe named 29-year-old Sandon Stolle as Woodbridge's replacement.

Stolle has never played doubles in a Davis Cup tie, but did win the 1998 US Open doubles crown with Cyril Suk. He is currently ranked No. 3 in the world in doubles.

"While Todd's withdrawal is a bit of a blow, I feel very confident that Rafter or Sandon will get the job done with Mark (Woodforde),'' said Newcombe, who also will be coaching another Davis Cup rookie in Boston, 18-year-old sensation Lleyton Hewitt, who will play singles.

Martin said that Australia will still be as tough as nails. ''I don't think their team is a whole lot, if any, weaker,'' he said. ''Hewitt and hard court conditions are tough. And instead of Woodbridge, it's Stolle, the No. 3 doubles player. I don't see that as a big loss.''

UNI