Stats without the first five games of the 3rd set. Number of aces, double faults & break points are correct for the entire contest…
Points won by each set: [ 28-16, 41-39, 26-35, 43-40 ]
In the early stages of Sampras’ career, Philadelphia-Indoors meant his beloved event: he made his pro debut there in 1988, won his first title in 1990, and after losing a final the following year, in 1992 triumphed again, reclaiming a title in the same city for the first time. Mansdorf [42] was in a very good form at the beginning of 1992, and after reaching quarterfinal at the Australian Open and semifinal in Memphis, he improved by one round in Philadelphia. Even though he lost the 1st set 1-6, that set could have been more tight if he had converted a triple break point at 1-all or a double game point at 1:2. Sampras prevailed thanks to two tie-breaks (Mansdorf entered the final having a 6-0 record in tie-breaks of ’92). “I started off extremely well,” Sampras said. “Then won the tie-break, which was very crucial to the match. My serve is a huge advantage in a tie-break, especially if I serve first.” The young American moved from No. 5 to 3, and being asked about becoming the best player in the world, he replied: “It’s attainable. If I stay healthy and be more consistent, there is no stopping me.”
Sampras’ route to his 9th title:
2 David DiLucia 6-2, 6-1
3 Stefano Pescosolido 7-6(0), 4-6, 6-4
Q Aaron Krickstein 3-6, 7-6(4), 7-6(7) – 1 m.p.
S Brad Gilbert 6-4, 6-3
W Amos Mansdorf 6-1, 7-6(4), 2-6, 7-6(2)