Sampras, Chang Open Davis Final

Pete Sampras and Michael Chang have a combined singles record of 9-4 against the Swedish opponents they face in today’s opening matches of the Davis Cup final. But there are some trends that could worry the Americans.

Jonas Bjorkman beat Chang in straight sets the last time they played, and Magnus Larsson is the only player to have defeated Sampras twice this year.

“He’s beaten me before, he’s confident,” said Sampras, who lost the last two encounters against Larsson, ranked No. 25 in the world. Sampras leads 6-3.

“He’s played me tough, not only this year,” Sampras said after Thursday’s draw. “He’s an awkward player, lanky, not an easy guy to play. He serves quite big and backs it up with big (ground strokes). He’s very talented. But I feel like I’m playing well. I just need to go out and do it.”

Chang, whose match against Bjorkman will open the three-day series, lost 6-4, 7-5 to Bjorkman at the ATP championship in Hanover, Germany, earlier this month. It was Chang’s first defeat against Bjorkman in four encounters.

For Saturday’s doubles, Todd Martin and Jonathan Stark were nominated for the Americans. Bjorkman and Nicklas Kulti make up the Swedish pair.