Sampras only U.S. hope at Wimbledon

While Germany and Britain have made big breakthroughs at Wimbledon, the Americans have hit a low.

Three German men have reached the quarterfinals for the first time in a Grand Slam event in the Open era, and Britain has two players in the final eight for the first time in 36 years.Pete Sampras was the only American - man or woman - left in the draw. He led Petr Korda 6-4, 4-2 in a fourth-round match suspended by darkness Tuesday night.

Even if Sampras advances, it would be the fewest Americans in the quarterfinals since 1913.

"It's unfortunate, but I think that everything goes in cycles, and this was just a bad year for the U.S. here," said Mary Joe Fernandez, the last American woman in the field, after her 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 loss to Jana Novotna.

While Sampras was set to resume today against Korda, Britain's Tim Henman, buoyed by a rollicking Centre Court crowd, ousted defending champion Richard Krajicek. In a match that had been suspended Tuesday after three sets, Henman picked up where he left off and completed a 7-6 (9-7), 6-7 (7-9), 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 victory.

With Greg Rusedski already through to the quarterfinals, Henman's victory put two British men in the final eight for the first time since Mike Sangster and Bobby Wilson in 1961.

But the Brits can't match the Germans, who have Boris Becker, Michael Stich and Nicolas Kiefer in the quarterfinals.

Henman is the first British player to beat the defending Wimbledon champion since Roger Taylor downed Rod Laver in the fourth round in 1970.

"I'd say today, for the sustained quality of tennis, this is the best I've ever played," said Henman, who also reached the quarterfinals last year. "Playing the Wimbledon champion you have to play pretty well."

In a country desperate for its first men's champion in 61 years, Henman has generated huge support from the Wimbledon crowds.

"Everyone that's been out there knows they are continually behind me, lifting me to greater heights," he said. "They give you that confidence and keep willing you on. It's also tough for my opponents. They know every point of mine will be shouted about."

The only break of the set came in the fifth game, when Henman - trying to guess where Krajicek was serving rather than reacting at the last second - came up with strong returns and Krajicek missed four straight volleys to lose at love.