Sampras to miss Wimbledon

Pete Sampras has withdrawn from this year’s Wimbledon and appears to be on the verge of retirement.

The American will not play in this year’s French Open either, but told the Los Angeles Times: “I am not 100 per cent going to close the door.”

The former long-time world number one has not played since winning the US Open last September to increase his record haul of Grand Slam titles to 14.

He has entered several tournaments this season but pulled out of each one.

“I know what it takes to be competitive – the training and preparation and the seven-day-a-week dedication – and I am just not there right now,” he said.

It had been rumoured that the 31-year-old American would make a final appearance at Wimbledon, a tournament he has won seven times, before retiring.

Sampras has won 64 ATP titles, has a 762-222 record and earned more than €37m in his legendary career.