RE-PETE SAMPRAS

Pete Sampras hit back-to-back aces to close out the second game of the second set and draw a plea from Tommy Haas.

“Show some mercy, Pete” Haas yelled across the court.

Sampras began to hand his racket over to a ball boy before taking it back. Just as he did so often during his brilliant career, Sampras closed out the match with ease, b eating Haas 6-4, 6-2 in an exhibition at the SAP Open in San Jose on Monday night.

It was Sampras’ second straight exhibition win against an active tour player, following November’s straight-set victory over Roger Federer. Yet it’s still not enough to bring Sampras back to the tour after retiring more than five years ago at age 31 with a record 14 Grand Slam titles.

Sampras is clearly taking the relevance of these contests a lot less seriously than many of those watching, particularly in terms of what they mean to the players facing him. "Tommy has more important things to do this week than worry about me. It's an opportunity for him to get used to the court. It's tough to get practice time here."

The comeback talk may continue, but his stance makes it unlikely that it'll actually happen. "There's a lot to lose and not a lot to gain," he said firmly. "There's got to be a reason to come out of retirement. Some people miss the limelight, some people want to make more money, some people don't have anything else to do in their lives. And there's no reason for me to come back.

Haas, who is battling back from shoulder surgery, enjoyed the opportunity to play against Sampras and get used to the surroundings at the tournament.

Next up for Sampras is another exhibition against Federer on March 10 at Madison Square Garden. The two greats played three times in Asia in November, with Federer winning the first two matches in straight sets and Sampras winning the final one 7-6 (8), 6-4 on the fast indoor surface at the Venetian Macao arena.