Tennis: Cool hand Pete
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Pete Sampras is the king of cool at this year's French Open.
The world No 1, aiming to win the only grand slam title to elude him, has attracted attention by keeping his rackets in the ice box.
"If I keep them out in the heat, the strings lose their tension," he said after crushing Francisco Clavet of Spain in straight sets yesterday to reach the third round. "That's why I put them in the refrigerator."
His rackets might not like hot weather, but the man certainly does as the sun makes the clay courts fast, allowing him to play his trade-mark attacking game.
"I don't mind what kind of surface I'm playing on," said Sampras, who has won grand slams on anything but clay. "I know what my capabilities are and I know that if I play well I'll be hard to beat."
Sampras could become the first man to win all four grand slams since Australia's Rod Laver, the player he admires most. His best result in Paris came last year when he lost in the semi-finals to the eventual winner, Russia's Yevgeny Kafelnikov.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments