U.S. Cup team rally round Sampras and welcome Agassi

The U.S. Davis Cup team rallied around a wilting Pete Sampras, lauded a burgeoning Andy Roddick and called a reticent Andre Agassi back into the fold after nosing past Spain into the semifinals at the weekend.

On a grass surface chosen in deference to legendary team mate Sampras, Roddick kept his 100 percent Cup record intact by winning both his singles matches at the Westside Tennis Club.

Seven-times Wimbledon champion Sampras, however, blew a two-set lead to lose to claycourt specialist Alex Corretja in his opening match.

He didn't even play his second scheduled singles match after Roddick had already secured a team victory.

His surprise defeat while seeking a 100th victory on grass prompted Russian rival Yevgeny Kafelnikov to suggest Sampras should quit.

The holder of a record 13 grand slam titles refused to respond but the Russian's comments drew waspish criticism from the U.S. team.

"To make comments like that about Sampras is absurd and disrespectful," captain Patrick McEnroe said.

U.S. coach Jim Courier -- himself a former world number one and winner of four grand slam titles -- went further.

RANK OUTSIDERS

"Kafelnikov has no business speaking about Pete. Kafelnikov's career is a blip on the radar screen compared to Pete's -- he's a gross underachiever, as far as I'm concerned," Courier fired back.

"He's good value as far as the quotes are concerned, because his quotes are so ridiculous.

"If anyone's earned the right to make that call (to retire) without hearing it from the peanut gallery, it's Pete Sampras," he added.

"Sampras will know when it is time and he'll let everybody know, I'm sure... I doubt Yevgeny will be in the top 10 people he calls, though."

The U.S. must travel to France in September for a semifinal which will almost definitely be played on clay.

Unless Agassi can be persuaded to come out of Davis Cup retirement, the Americans will start as rank outsiders.

But McEnroe has certainly not ruled out a return for Agassi, and began building bridges in Miami last month.

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Courier said: "Pat has extended a bridge to Andre and he certainly would be a big addition to a clay court match.

"But whether Andre is willing to get back in the fold is another issue altogether.

"He certainly has done his time in Davis Cup and if he doesn't choose to play again, his record speaks volumes.

"Pat's keeping the door open and is very inclusive. Should Andre want to play, he's invited."

His team mates would certainly be thrilled.

"Andre has to know that we would love to have him," Roddick said. "He's probably the top clay court player in the United States. There's nothing more that can be said. We would love to have him in the fold."

The 31-year-old Agassi hasn't played a tie since April 2000.

Even if Agassi decides against a return, the irrepressible Roddick is looking forward to the tie.

"I like the team we have now," he said. "Clay's not our favourite surface but it is Davis Cup. We're not talking about shabby players here. We have a strong team and have a lot of faith in each other."