Poker News

Sampras shares love of poker

2010-02-10 13:55:00

Retired tennis player Pete Sampras has expressed his joy of playing poker on a visit to San Jose.

The 14-time Grand Slam winner was featuring in an exhibition match against Fernando Verdasco in the SAP Open and while he had a rough night against the Spaniard, Sampras said he also goes to the state for cards.

During a VIP dinner at the event, the American claimed that Texas hold'em is his favourite variant of the game and he often takes money off the locals.

"These guys have more money than sense," Sampras said of his opponents at the felt. "I'm down for the year … so I had to come up here to break even."

The 38-year-old lost 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) to Verdasco, despite managing to serve nine aces throughout the match.

Only Roger Federer has accrued more Grand Slam trophies than Sampras during his career, with the number one ranked Swiss securing his 16th title last year.