Sampras, like 'an old man' before Verdasco

Nearly seven years after hanging up the racquet, American Pete Sampras, 38, admitted he felt "a little old man" in the exhibition game he played against Spanish Fernando Verdasco in San Jose (California).

Verdasco, eleventh best tennis player in the world, defeated 6-3, 7-6 (2) to Sampras, former world number one and 14 titles of 'Grand Slam' conquered during the 15 years he remained active.

Sampras played his first exhibition game since last October. Then he measured his compatriot Andre Agassi, whom he defeated 3-6, 6-3 and 10-8 in Macau.

Sampras had Agassi concerns precisely today and in connection with his controversial autobiography entitled "Open".

Former world number one admitted he was "surprised and upset" by the comments he makes Agassi in his book. "I hope we can soon talk with Andre, man to man, for discussion," he said.

About Verdasco, seeded second in the tournament which is held this week in San Jose, Sampras said: "It is strong and I think could make some 'major'.

Verdasco will debut on Wednesday against the Taiwanese Yen-Hsun Lu, the California tournament, where the U.S. is the first AAndy Roddick favorite.