AUSTRALIAN OPEN / MEN’S FINAL : Sampras Tests Agassi’s Rested Development

It is everything for which the organizers of the Australian Open could have hoped--No. 1 versus No. 2 for the men’s singles championship, cold versus hot, substance versus style.

Pete Sampras, the defending champion, brings an overpowering all-court game to duel today with Andre Agassi’s relentless baseline pounding. Sampras tests his big serve against the game’s best service returner.

Sampras has taken a long and difficult road to the final, Agassi has breezed. The introverted Sampras has revealed himself this week to be engagingly emotional, while Agassi has cut his bleach-blond hair and toned down his playfulness with the media.

Each player has been at his best, as each defines it.

Brad Gilbert, Agassi’s coach, likes what he sees from his pupil.

“He’s serving better, playing more positively and hitting the ball harder,” he said. “His return of serve during this tournament has been incredible.”

Sampras hopes his form can hold, after two days off before the final.

“Whenever I play Andre, I really have to be at the top of my game to beat him, because he’s got one of the best returns of serve, probably the best return of serve, in the game,” he said. “The way he’s playing, it’s going to be a tough battle for both of us.”

The tournament has been a battle for Sampras. His longtime coach and friend, Tim Gullikson, was hospitalized here for a recurrence of a heart problem and returned to the United States in the middle of the tournament. The emotional stress on Sampras became evident when he burst into tears during his semifinal match against Jim Courier.

The physical toll has also been taxing. Sampras has played 23 sets, two five-set matches and one four-setter against Michael Chang that lasted three hours.

In contrast, Agassi not only has not lost a set but has not been extended even to a tiebreaker. He has played 17 1/2 sets and could become the first player in 15 years to win a Grand Slam event without losing a set.

Asked if it was better to play tough matches to prepare for the final or conserve energy with easy matches, Agassi indicated he preferred his route.

“I think the dynamics of the match on Sunday is going to bring out the best in me,” he said. “You can argue both sides: whether it’s good to have a tough match under your belt and then compromise your fitness or whether it’s better to get through and be fresh and ready to play.”

Said Gilbert: “He (Andre) came here to win the tournament, but Pete came here to win the tournament. What else can you say?”