10/19/01
Mirnyi Too Tough for Sampras

Max Mirnyi's fairytale run continued as he defeated Pete Sampras 6-4, 6-2 to reach the his first-ever Tennis Masters Series semifinal.

The man known as "The Beast" had already racked up wins over Roland Garros champion Gustavo Kuerten and Wimbledon winner Goran Ivanisevic, and with his win over Sampras, Mirnyi added another prized name to his list of successes this week.

Mirnyi had saved match points on three separate occasions this week - against Kuerten, Ivanisevic and also in qualifying - but against Sampras, he was in control virtually throughout after holding serve to lead 5-4 in the first set.

Mirnyi notched up a 6-4, 2-0 lead with some spectacular backhand passing shots, but holding onto his serve was proving more difficult than breaking the Sampras delivery.
The American attacked and held three break point chances, but Mirnyi, launching enormous serves from his 1.96m (6'5") frame, held firm.

"He played great," said Sampras. "He played the big points better than me. He is very tough to pass and I was forced into errors because he's got that big long reach."

Suddenly Sampras began to look a little weary. The American's serve slowed down in the fourth game, and he even looked as if some physical ailment might be bothering him, which he confirmed afterwards.

"Everything felt fine except my arm," said Sampras. "I had a dead arm today. I have been pretty sore all week and I served hard last night (against Rios)."

But he managed to hold on, and then threw one last onslaught at the Belarussian while trailing 2-4.

One missed volley from Mirnyi and two spectacular backhands from Sampras gave the American three break points in a row and it seemed there might be some twists and turns left in the match. But an irresistible mixture of skill and good fortune saved Mirnyi. On the first break point, Sampras hit a solid return and ran for one of his trademark forehand passing shots. He hit it like lightening down the line but Mirnyi stuck out a racquet, just made contact, and left Sampras stranded at the back of the court as the ball bounced just over the net.

Sensing that it was his day, Mirnyi unleashed four almighty serves, and the danger was gone.

Mirnyi goes through to a semifinal showdown with Yevgeny Kafelnikov.