SAMPRAS BACKS OUT; HISTORY PLACED ON HOLD BECAUSE OF HERNIATED DISC.

Byline: Wayne Coffey New York Daily News 

The word came early in the day, and hit Flushing Meadow like one of the man's own serves. Pete Sampras came to New York with history on his mind, and a record 13th Grand Slam singles title seemingly well within reach.

He leaves empty-handed, emotionally spent and more than a little scared, after withdrawing Tuesday from the U.S. Open with a herniated disc that is expected to sideline him for a month or two.

The 28-year-old Sampras, who was scheduled to open today against Russian Marat Safin, made the decision after an MRI and CAT scan Monday night revealed the condition.

And so America's Grand Slam must go on without America's - indeed, the world's - foremost player. It marks the first time in a dozen years there has been an Open without Sampras.

``Right now I'm obviously very overwhelmed,'' a somber Sampras said, his voice cracking during a half-hour press conference beneath Arthur Ashe Stadium. ``To break the all-time record was a dream that I had, to do it here in New York. I couldn't think of a worse time for this to happen.''

Coming off a torrid summer in which he won four straight tournaments, including his sixth Wimbledon, Sampras suffered the injury during a hitting session with Brazil's Gustavo Kuerten on Sunday. He was making a backhand service return when he felt something go.

``It was (like getting) stabbed by a knife,'' Sampras said. ``It scared me. There's no question it scared me.''

The initial diagnosis from tournament physician Brian Hainline was a mild back strain. But Sampras still had limited movement and considerable pain when he awoke Monday, prompting Hainline to call for the tests.

Because the condition was caught early and is extremely localized, Hainline said it should have no long-term repercussions. The doctor said that after several weeks of rest followed by rehabilitation, Sampras ``should be back playing full force, if all goes well, in one to two months.''

Sampras said no surgery would be required.

Second-seeded Andre Agassi, who was expected to be one of Sampras' principal threats here, called Sampras to express his condolences. Sampras will be replaced in the draw by lucky loser Mikael Tillstrom of Sweden, who lost in the last round of qualifying play.

``It's tough for so many people: the fans, myself and ultimately for Pete,'' Agassi told ESPN. ``I spoke with him, and he's not doing good. It's sad. It's too bad. It really is.''

Said U.S. Tennis Association president Judy Levering: ``I just really feel awful. He's such a great athlete. He's the greatest player of all time. He was ready to break (Roy Emerson's) all-time record, and his body just let him down.''

Sampras has won four Open titles, but has also had his share of infirmity here. In last year's semifinals against eventual champion Patrick Rafter, he limped around the final two sets with a quadriceps injury. Three years ago, he outlasted Spain's Alex Corretja in an epic five-setter despite getting sick on the court. He was done in by blistered, bloody feet in a 1994 fourth-round match with Peru's Jaime Yzaga.

After Sampras' press conference, Levering caught up to him before he departed the National Tennis Center. She sounded like a mother talking to her son.

``We have a date here next year,'' she told him.

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2 Photos

Photo: (1--Color) Four-time U.S. Open champion Pete Sampras tells reporters he has withdrawn from the tournament because of a herniated disc in his back, while Dr. Brian Hainline, background, looks on.

Stuart Ramson/Associated Press

(2) Pete Sampras, hitting a forehand in last year's U.S. Open, withdrew from the tournament Tuesday.

Linda Rosier/Associated Press