Former Grand Slam great Pete Sampras was beaten by Fernando Verdasco 6-3, 7-6(2) in a singles exhibition.

With everyone doing top 10 lists of the decade or the year, I decided to take a slightly different approach.

WOZ’S LOOSE LIPS — So who is more to blame: Caroline Wozniacki and her on-court coach/dad for telling her to tank the match (in Polish) where Polish-speaking fans hear it on TV then place on-line bets, or the WTA Tour’s dumb-ass on-court coaching experiment? Careful WTA as you might get what you wish for — on-court coaching is popular! (with on-line betters)!

Just for fun, I am trying something different. As the 2009 hard court season heads toward the finish line, I came up with some hypothetical matches between former U.S. Open champions.

Rafael Nadal is still leaving doubt on his participation in Montreal.

The dog days of summer tennis are upon as the top players are all enjoying some time off leaving us fans with little chew on.

Richard Gasquet claims a dosed drink or a contaminated kiss in a Miami nightclub caused his positive test for cocaine.

Sean Randall breaks down another epic Wimbledon final.

The sport has changed enough in a short period of time to ask if tennis fans can accurately compare eras right next to one another.

Pete Sampras sent the message that if a player were talented, self-disciplined and professional, he could exceed the seven or eight majors that seemed to be the best one could hope for in a career.