AMERICANS GET ON WITH THE JOB - PETE SAMPRAS and ANDRE AGASSI joined ANDY RODDICK and JAN-MICHAEL GAMBILL in putting all recent political events behind them to challenge for their first Tennis Masters Series Stuttgart title. Taking a leaf out of US President George W. Bush's book, the American stars coped the best way they know how - by playing tennis. "It's definitely a very trying time for all of us," said Sampras. "Obviously, watching the news, listening to the President, he wants everyone to get back to work, get back to normal things; don't let it consume you where you don't want to travel, get on an airplane. I thought twice about coming here, but I made the trip and just being here, it's nice." Agassi echoed those sentiments, saying: "It never entered my mind not to play here. It's very important for our society, for our country, to send out a statement to not let fear dictate our lives."

MARK PHILIPPOUSSIS is a changed man. After a career-threatening knee injury that kept him out of the game for six months earlier this year, the 24-year-old Australian has a newly found love of the game and will do anything to fulfill his life-long potential on the tennis court. He moved out of Miami, bought five acres in Delray (where he and his horses now live), and is in the midst of having a red clay and hard court built on his property. He's also doing Yoga five times a week, Pilates, and he even did Tai Chi when he was in a wheelchair "just to do something." "[When] some doctors say that you're never going to play again, it makes you want it more," said Philippoussis. "I didn't really realize how much I love the game and how much this game meant to me until I was out for that long. It made me realize this is my life, this is what I do, this is what I'm good at - tennis. I've been wasting it for all these years. I think the results came through talent at tournaments here and there without the hard work. Since the surgery, I've done everything in my power to change myself as a person and my lifestyle."

NICOLAS LAPENTTI was facing three match points on his own serve at 2-5 down in the third set of his second round match against ARNAUD CLEMENT at Tennis Masters Series Stuttgart, when his mind started to wander. An hour or so later, the Ecuadorian was having to rearrange his plans and think about a third round match against TIM HENMAN, after saving a total of five match points to win 4-6, 6-2, 7-5. "There was a lot going through my mind on the changeover at 5-2," said Lapentti. "I was already thinking of going to Munich to visit my sister who is about to give birth to her first child. Then being down 0-40 you just hit the points without responsibility. It's not like you want to finish the match right away, but you are just one point away. I just kept fighting and got lucky."

IN STUTTGART MARK PHILIPPOUSSIS, PETE SAMPRAS, JUAN CARLOS FERRERO and TIM HENMAN took spins in some of the prestigious Mercedez-Benz car range. Philippoussis tried out the G500 off-road vehicle scheduled to be re-released in the United States during December, and from the look on his face afterwards, don't be surprised if he's one of their first customers over Christmas. HICHAM ARAZI swallowed his defeat to Tommy Haas with good grace. The popular Moroccan took part in an Internet chat session on the official Tennis Masters Series Stuttgart Web site right afterwards. One fan asked him how he had improved his consistency this season. Arazi replied: "Before a match I prepare with my coach Thierry Champion, who was also a good tennis player. We speak a lot, trying to visualize the bad moments on the court and also the good moments, and like this I can get focused and be ready for any situation."

COACHING CAROUSEL.... MARCELO RIOS is working with FERNANDO MELIGENI's former coach, Ricardo Acioly. INJURY UPDATE.... GUILLERMO CORIA is on the road to recovery from an injury he sustained to his wrist while playing soccer. The Argentine, who hasn't played on the ATP circuit since Tennis Masters Series Cincinnati in August, took off his cast and will start to practice next week.

"I would not want to lose to that guy." - Boris Becker talking about the prospect of playing against John McEnroe at the Delta Tour of Champions event in London, the Honda Challenge. "That is why I am here - to try to qualify. It would be nice to make it, to play the best in the world. It is such a huge event." - Pete Sampras explains that he has come to Europe with the goal of reaching Tennis Masters Cup Sydney. "I think nine months is too long. Seems like nine months used to go faster." - Andre Agassi on the countdown to fatherhood.

ATP Insider courtesy ATPTour.com