Sampras withdraws from Siebel Open

By JANIE McCAULEY
AP Sports Writer

Pete Sampras withdrew from the Siebel Open on Tuesday, further delaying his return to tennis after a long absence.

Sampras, who has not competed since winning the U.S. Open in September, said he is not prepared to play a tournament. He and his wife, actress Bridgette Wilson, became first-time parents in November.

The Siebel Open begins Feb. 10 in San Jose, Calif. Australian Open winner Andre Agassi is entered, along with Michael Chang, who will begin his farewell tour in this tournament, and James Blake.

``Unfortunately, I will be postponing my return to the competitive arena and am withdrawing,'' Sampras said in a statement released by his agent. ``Although I have made significant progress in recent weeks, I am not fully prepared to compete at the highest level.

``It is disappointing to be unable to participate in San Jose, where I have enjoyed many successes in the past.''

The 31-year-old Sampras, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, won his 14th Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open.

Siebel Open tournament chairman Barry MacKay expressed his displeasure that Sampras backed out of the event.

``Obviously, a late withdrawal such as this is extremely disappointing and will make our entire tournament staff work even harder for a successful event,'' MacKay said. ``The 2003 Siebel Open already has an extremely strong international field of players.''

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)