Sampras' Record Return To Top

Pete Sampras regained the top ranking in tennis today, breaking Ivan Lendl's record of 270 weeks at No. 1.

Sampras replaced Australian Pat Rafter for his 271st week at No. 1. Rafter held the top spot for only a week.

Sampras returned to No. 1 by advancing to the final of the Mercedes-Benz Cup. He defeated Andre Agassi 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-1) on Sunday to win the title.

Sampras is one of five players this season to hold the No. 1 ranking, along with Rafter, Agassi, Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Carlos Moya. Only 17 players have held the top spot since the rankings were started in 1973.

Sampras is followed in the rankings by Rafter, Agassi, Kafelnikov and Tim Henman.

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