Roddick sinks Sampras to defend US Clay title

Third seed Andy Roddick defended a title for the first time in his career last night by beating Pete Sampras in the final of …

Third seed Andy Roddick defended a title for the first time in his career last night by beating Pete Sampras in the final of the Men's Clay Court Championships.

Roddick collected his fifth career ATP title as he beat Sampras for the second time in as many career meetings.

"I want to thank Pete for setting the example for so many years while I was growing up," Roddick said during the postmatch ceremony. The 19-year-old picked up the $51,000 winner's cheque.

Sampras (30) has not added to his 63 titles since July 2000, when he won Wimbledon for the seventh time in eight years.

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"He [Roddick] is really the main focus of American tennis," Sampras said. "He has a lot of power and he has a great future".

AFP