PETE SAMPRAS cannot afford to dwell on a probable coronation ash one of the Kings of Wimbledon when he starts Centre Court proceedings at the 110th Championships today.
Regal status, as a true Wimbledon legend, awaits the 24-year-old American if he matches Bjorn Borg's open era record of four successive singles crowns.
But before he can lay hands on another £392,500 prize, Sampras must dispose of a few bread-and-butter opponents.
"The first round is one of the most difficult to get through at Wimbledon," said Sampras. "When I go out on court I will just concentrate on winning. You don't think about records. If I do achieve it, I will sit back, and appreciate it when it happens.
Opponent Richey Reneberg may have earned more corn as a doubles player, but he has beaten Sampras twice in six meetings, so the defending champion does not expect a first-outing walkover. "He's a solid, all-round player with a good return of serve," said Sampras. "He deserves respect and I won't underestimate him. I know I must settle down quickly in my first match."
In the last six years, Reneberg has perished in round one four times and neither of his successes over Sampras came on grass. He has beaten John McEnroe and Boris Becker, too, but it would be a major surprise if he upset Sampras, particularly if the crowd get behind the defending champion.
Sampras seems peeved that he has not achieved the popularity of previous Wimbledon giants. "It would be nice to have the crowd on my side this time," he said.
"They all wanted Boris to win last year's final. It was his 10th anniversary and I understand that. I think I have proved I am up there with guys like Borg and McEnroe."
Sampras will be followed onto Centre Court by another all-American clash featuring Monica Seles, who is assured of a warm reception for her comeback match with Ann Grossman.
Seles destroyed Mary-Joe Fernandez, 6-0, 6-2, in a 45-minute display of power hitting to win her first grasscourt title at the Direct Line International Championship yesterday.
"Wimbledon is always special and it will be even more exciting for me going back after a few years away," said Seles. "There is something unique about the Wimbledon atmosphere and I can't wait to feel it again," she added.
The third Centre Court match promises to be the most entertaining and features former champion Stefan Edberg and Frenchman Guy Forget.
Edberg, 30, will retire in November and seems intent on going out with a bang. The London-based Swede reached the Stella Artois final, losing to Becker, and will want to salute his many English fans with another Centre Court victory.
Court 14 is the setting for Britain's Jeremy Bates to start final Wimbledon campaign. Bates, 34, who reached round four twice in four years, faces Nicolas Pereira of Venezuela on the outside show court.
Potential upsets are unlikely on day one, but Mary Pierce will be desperate to dispel her aura of vulnerability against Patty Schnyder of Switzerland on court three and Michael Chang faces an awkward opener against Spain's Alberto Costa on court two.
The doomed court one gets an attractive opening day line-up: Becker, Martinez and Goran Ivanisevic all do battle on a historic surface which is scheduled to be ripped up after the tournament.
These lightning seeds should keep even the most difficult-to-please tennis followers happy.
