Gullikson and Sampras Stay in Touch

Pete Sampras talks often by telephone with his longtime coach, Tim Gullikson, who is absent from Wimbledon for the first time in 20 years while being treated for brain cancer.

“I’ve talked to Pete just about every other day,” Gullikson said Thursday from his home in Wheaton, Ill. “He’s really concerned about my health. I always give him a little update. I’m doing the best I can here, and he’s doing the best he can there.”

Gullikson has three weeks of chemotherapy remaining. If the results are good, the next treatment will be one large dose of chemotherapy.

“And then the tumors are going to be gone,” he said. “I’m doing great. I feel a little tired, but other than that, real good.”

Gullikson, the twin brother of U.S. Davis Cup captain Tom Gullikson, returned home during the Australian Open in January because of brain tumors that had caused three strokes. Sampras, shaken by his close friend’s illness, broke into tears during a match later in the tournament.

At Wimbledon, the two-time defending champion has advanced to the semifinals despite having played less than his best. He will play Goran Ivanisevic today.

“Pete has played some good matches, and he has played some where he hasn’t quite played up to his standard,” said Gullikson, who has watched the tournament on television. “When the big moments come Friday and Sunday, he’s going to be there. He’s done it before, and he knows how to play against Goran.”

Gullikson only wishes he could be in England. He hopes to begin another Wimbledon streak next year.

“I was there 19 straight years, first as a regular player and in the senior division, and then six or seven years coaching players,” Gullikson said. “It’s a special place for me, and I’m extremely sad I’m not there this year.”