• Hit for Haiti

Agassi apologises for Sampras jibe

ESPN staff
March 16, 2010
Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras returned to the tennis court for the Hit for Haiti fundraiser © Getty Images
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Andre Agassi has apologised for poking fun at Pete Sampras during a charity match last week.

Agassi partnered Rafael Nadal to take on Sampras and Roger Federer in the Hit for Haiti exhibition match at Indian Wells on Friday.

With the four players wearing microphones for the entertainment of the crowd, the exchange began lighthearted between the long-term rivals, but it escalated when Sampras mimicked Agassi's pigeon-toed walk, to which Agassi responded, accusing Sampras of being tight-fisted.

Sampras then hit a high, hard serve at Agassi, who was forced to duck, and Federer admitted he felt uncomfortable at the intense atmosphere on court.

"It was out of line," Agassi told ESPN.com. "It was inappropriate. The night was on fire. We were all having fun. I was trying to be comedic. I only had a split second to make a decision. I went for it and it fell flat.

"I was trying to get past it, but Pete didn't really let me get past it. He didn't really roll with it. I've texted Pete to ask him if I can apologize in person."

"The joke fell flat and I'm sorry. My hope was that the night was still enjoyable."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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