Annacone says split with Sampras best for both

Paul Annacone, who was put in charge of a programme to develop future U.S. champions on Wednesday, said his new job would be a good thing for both himself and Pete Sampras.

Annacone ended a seven-year spell as Sampras's coach to become Managing Director, USA Tennis High Performance.

The 38-year-old said he believed a change of coach could benefit Sampras, who won five Wimbledon titles, two U.S. Opens and one Australian Open crown during his time with Annacone but struggled last year.

"Where he is in his career, it's probably time he hears a new voice, even though there's not a greater voice in tennis than mine," joked Annacone in a conference call after the USTA announced his appointment.

"There is a time when you need a new tone, a new voice. Perhaps this will reinvigorate and motivate him.

"I'll be very surprised if he doesn't have a big year next year," said Annacone, who added that Sampras had looked good in their recent workouts.

"Pete and I have talked about his career and where he was, and about me and where I was," said Annacone.

"We talked about it a lot last year. Pete and I have been friends for 13 years and we're going to be friends long after he's done playing tennis.

"But the magnitude of this position...it's not something you get every day."

Sampras, 30, has had a miserable 2001 season.

Now ranked 10th in the world, he failed to win a title in a year for the first time since 1989, failed for the first time since 1990 to qualify for the season-ending Masters Cup and finished the year outside the top five for the first time since 1991.

DAVIS CUP

"I don't know if Pete and I will ever work together again," said Annacone. "We were friends long before we started and will be long after.

"I think he was happy with the job I did with him."

Annacone applauded Sampras's recent decision to return to Davis Cup competition.

"He needs to play in things that transcend tennis, things that motivate him to play.

"Playing in Davis Cup, being part of a scenario with 15,000 people screaming against him is a motivating factor. It pushes your desire to climb mountains. Not many other things can do that for you."

Annacone found it hard to pinpoint the best moment during his time with Sampras. "I have so many fond memories, good times to take with me my whole life.

"I remember my initiation, when Pete was playing (Jim) Courier in 1995 in the Australian Open, when he wept on the court after finding out about Tim," he said referring to Sampras's quarter-final win when he struggled to contain his emotions over former coach Tim Gullikson who was terminally ill.

"There was winning the 1995 U.S. Open, beating Andre (Agassi) in the final. There was the match against Boris (Becker) in the ATP championship final (1996 in Hanover). The atmosphere was so unbelievable.

"There was the Wimbledon final against Boris (1995). And last year when he beat Pat (Rafter) to set the Grand Slam record," he said referring to Sampras's triumph at Wimbledon 2000 which gave him a record 13th Grand Slam singles title.

Annacone said he understood Sampras had begun calling prospective replacements but would not comment on speculation that Tim's brother Tom Gullikson was the leading candidate.

"He knows what he needs in a person, and he knows that I'm always here for him," said Annacone. "He's a smart guy and he's a strong minded individual and in control of his career."