India is a big tennis town now: Pete Sampras

Pete Sampras in action in the IPTL

New Delhi, December 8 (IANS)

Terming India as a 'big tennis town', Pete Sampras on Monday said he has thoroughly enjoyed his stay in the country so far and praised Indians for their love of the game.

"It's a big tennis town now. I am happy to be here and hopefully I will come back," Sampras, in the country to play for the Indian Aces franchise of the International Premier Tennis league (IPTL), said here.

The 14-time Grand Slam winner, widely regarded as one of the greatest to have played the game, also praised Indians for their love of the game.

"People in India do know their tennis. I have travelled all around the world and met a lot of Indians, whether in Los Angeles or in Germany or in Wimbledon. They generally are very excited seeing you, enthusiastic to talk about your game. Very nice people, they know their tennis. They know of Wimbledon," the American legend said.

Sampras was hounded for autographs at the team hotel by enthusiastic fans.

On asked if he expected such a warm reception upon his maiden visit here, the 43-year-old said that he had a feeling that he will be much sought after for autographs and pictures.

"I had a feeling. It seems I am very popular here. They obviously know of me and what I have done," he said.