Sampras loses exhibition to Verdasco

Pete Sampras plays a shot against Fernando Verdasco in an exhibition match in San Jose, California.

Former No. 1 Pete Sampras showed glimpses of his dominating best against a top player 12 years his junior in the second set of his 6-3, 7-6 (2) exhibition loss to Spain’s Fernando Verdasco at the SAP Open.

Sampras received a rousing standing ovation once the 56-minute match was over. He waved and hit three balls into the crowd before telling everybody he “felt a little old” out there.

It was first exhibition match for the 14-time Grand Slam champion since he beat long-time American rival Andre Agassi 3-6, 6-3, 10-8, decided on a match tiebreak at Macau in late October.