FRENCH OPEN NOTES : Sampras Says Gullikson Is Still With Him

Much has been made of Pete Sampras’ physical suffering--he lost two matches in a clay court tournament last week partly because of a back injury--but he may be in more psychological pain here than anything.

One reason Sampras’ clay court preparation has been lacking is that he withdrew from the Italian Open following the death of his longtime coach, Tim Gullikson on May 3. It was clear that Sampras will be mourning the loss for a long time to come.

Asked how he was coping, Sampras acknowledged it has affected his game, although he had little trouble getting past Magnus Gustafsson on Monday, 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (7-5). “It’s been difficult,” Sampras said. “I’d rather not comment too much on it, I’ll probably start tearing up. It’s tough to talk about. It’s so soon. I think over the course of the year, I will be more comfortable to talk about it, but right now, I’d rather not.”

Sampras said in a television interview after the match that even with Gullikson gone, he feels his presence.

“He’s with me here, in my heart and in my brain,” Sampras said. “I can always picture him, talking with me on the phone, and traveling with me, having all his jokes. His spirit is still with me and I think about that a lot.”

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Mary Pierce, who grew up in the United States and lives and trains in Florida, is a French citizen, by virtue of her mother.

She’s frequently asked if she feels more American than French. Judging by the outfit she wore on Monday, she has decided to explore her French side. Her tennis was fine, she advanced out of the first round, but it was her fashion that caused a sensation.

Pierce worked with designers and came up with a tennis dress that would be appropriate at a cocktail party. Black, with thin white stripes, the dress was cut low in front and all-but backless except for two crossing straps.

Pierce was asked about the dress after the match and she called it, “Exciting, revealing and fun.” At Wimbledon next month, the All England Club will likely call it “Banned.”

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Frenchman Henri Leconte played his last match at Roland Garros, losing to Thomas Johansson of Sweden. Leconte, a swashbuckling player whose flair has always captivated fans here, received a long ovation from the crowd on Center Court.

Watching the match were Leconte’s wife, who is the only female bullfighter in France, and their infant child. Leconte, 32, is retiring after 16 years on the tour. He climbed up to the umpire’s chair and used the microphone to speak to the cheering crowd, crying and laughing at the same time.