Hit For Haiti - an awkward success

The spectacular exhibition match at Indian Wells featuring Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal seemed like the perfect entertainment and a worthy fundraising event for the Haiti earthquake victims - on paper.

You couldn't think of a better match-up with having the two greatest players of the 90's and the two greatest of today - on court at the same time.

But after a good start, there were some really awkward moments, which to my mind don't have any logical explanation at a charity event like this.

First of all, having all four players miked up is a new setup that brings the players even closer to the crowd, by hearing every sound they make. This would suit the players who like showing off, but not so much the more quiet types.

After a few minutes, it was obvious that Agassi was stealing most the show with funny comments and actions on court. The others seemed to enjoy it and it all went well until 4-4.

Then, out of nowhere, we were witnessing an embarrassing scene with Agassi and Sampras throwing not so nice remarks at each other. Agassi accused Sampras of being too serious after playing a point, Sampras replied by imitating Andre's pigeon-toed walk (well aware of that it originates from a congenital spine disability), and Andre just made things worse by bringing up the subject of Pete being a bad tipper, something he already mentioned in his recent book "Open".

Then, Sampras launched a serve directed against Agassi's body and the situation turned really embarrassing. Rafa thought it would be best to keep quiet (as he had wisely done during most of the match), while Fed tried to smooth things out with some "mediating" jokes. It was all smiles and the crowd cheered them on, but the whole situation just felt wrong.

This kind of behaviour is bad enough from two former greats of the game, but in an event like this - with the initital aim of relieving the Haitian people of as much burden as possible, it was untasteful to say the least.

It is also striking how much more polite and modest Fed and Rafa behaved compared to the two Americans, even though they have accomplished practically the same achievements. But shouldn't it be the older generation setting the example for the younger guys?

I think one learning from this event is that arch rivals, no matter how old they are, will always stay arch rivals, and that it will always mean extra tension at a match-up between them, even at a charity event like this. One should also consider the danger of putting microphones on the players, since quiet a few inappropriate words might be heard all over the world.

But the biggest learning is for two great ex-champions that they should know better than this. Lucky thing Boris Becker wasn't on court - considering his tense relationship with Agassi, who knows what would have happened.