Sampras VS. Querry in The Pit! Albuquerque

The greatest tennis player of all time, “Pistol Pete” Sampras, and ATP Tour star Sam Querrey will headline the Tennis Classic presented by the New Mexico Sports Authority on Friday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. at University Arena, also known as 'The Pit.'

Sampras retired from the ATP Tour following his dramatic U.S. Open victory over longtime rival Andre Agassi in 2002. His resume boasts 14 Grand Slam titles, including seven Wimbledon titles. He was ranked World No. 1 for six consecutive years from 1993-1998. In July of 2007, he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I.

Sampras is still on top of his game and is excited about the opportunity to come to Albuquerque and play Querrey.

Sampras says, “I'm looking forward to playing Sam Querrey in Albuquerque in September. Sam is playing great and he should be match tough following the Summer Olympics and the U.S. Open. As a huge basketball fan it will be an honor to battle it out in The Pit. It is a legendary arena that has such great sports history and tradition."


American Sam Querrey staked his claim as one of the top players in the world last year when he defeated No. 10 James Blake to advance to the ATP semifinal at the 2007 Indianapolis Tennis Championships. In his win over Blake, Querrey fired a career-high 36 aces, including a record 10 in a row. Other 2008 highlights include capturing the ATP title at the 2008 Tennis Channel Open in Las Vegas, and reaching the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Master Series Event. Querrey was recently named to the U.S. Olympic Team and has represented the U.S. in Davis Cup competition. He recently reached the Round of 16 at the US Open, falling to Rafael Nadal in four tight sets.

In addition to the Sampras-Querrey men’s singles match, the Tennis Classic also features local players in an innovative tiebreak shootout format. The format highlights the skills of area juniors, wheelchair athletes and local college players. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the exhibition will go to benefit the UNM Children's Hospital.
“Thanks to the tremendous support of the New Mexico Sports Authority and the New Mexico tennis community we plan on making this an annual event,” says Tim Stallard, president of ProLink Sports, Entertainment & Media. “This will be an amazing night of world-class tennis and family entertainment. I know that Pete and Sam are excited to come to Albuquerque and provide tennis fans with the best in men’s tennis.”

Tickets are available on-line starting Monday, July 14 through www.unmtickets.com, at select Albertsons stores in the Albuquerque / Santa Fe area or by calling (505) 925-5858 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday. Ticket prices are $28.50, $48.50 and $88.50.


TICKET INFORMATION
Pete Sampras vs. Sam Querrey
University Arena
Sept. 12, 7 p.m.

Ticket prices range from $28.50 to $88.50