Pete Sampras showed that he still retains a big match temperament and some brilliant shot making as he defeated German Tommy Haas 7-5 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 to reach the US Open quarter-finals.
The win was his 200th in a Grand Slam and, and while there were periods when the strain of his long career began to show, he still had enough shots and nous to defeat Haas at Flushing Meadows.
Perhaps the most telling statistic was Sampras's 80 winners compared to only 36 for the German. But when Haas, (24), took the third set in a tie-breaker it seemed he might have the energy to knock Sampras out.
However, Sampras rallied, recovering some of his trademark athleticism and was always able to produce the thunderous winners. The relief on his face at the end of the match was clear, and he will relish his quarter-final match against young compatriot Andy Roddick.
Roddick's burgeoning career gained more momentum as he defeated Argentinian Juan Ignacio Chela 5-7 6-4 6-4 6-4 to qualify for the last eight.
Dutchman Sjeng Schalken knocked former world number one Gustavo Kuerten out in a match which turned on three tie-breakers. Schalken triumphed 6-3 7-6 (8-6) 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (6-3) - only his second win over the Brazilian - and had to work hard for it.
His win pits him against Chilean Fernando Gonzalez in the quarter finals. Gonzalez went through just a few minutes before Schalken, with a straight sets win over Frenchman Arnaud Clement.
PA