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Injury worries for Sampras and Rafter

World No. 1 Pete Sampras received treatment for a sore arm during his third-round match against Belarussian Max Mirnyi yesterday, but won a 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 decision to move into the RCA championships quarter-finals.

''It's dead, there's no question, my arms a little tired,'' said Sampras, who will play fellow-American Vince Spadea in the quarters. ''The trainer just put a little hot cream on it and that's pretty much it.''

A sore shoulder sidelined second-seeded Patrick Rafter of Australia, who won a 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 third-round victory over Canadian Daniel Nestor and then withdrew from the event, promising to return to Indianapolis next year.

At 28 years old, Sampras has spent most of his career collecting a record 60 career titles for active players, including 12 Grand Slam trophies, in a no-nonsense manner. But lately, the recent Wimbledon champion has been seen interacting with fans during matches.

''Well, you know, it's all about entertainment,'' said Sampras, somewhat sarcastically when asked about his more outgoing demeanor. ''Listen, it's not about winning and losing anymore, it's about these people paying their 20 bucks, they want to be entertained, so I'm here to entertain.''

Joining Sampras in the quarter-finals are third-seeded Gustavo Kuerten of Brazil and fourth-seeded Carlos Moya.

Rafter's withdrawal was not a total surprise since the Australian has been dealing with the problem for nearly three months and is set to aim for a third straight US Open crown starting a week from Monday.

Rafter will fly to his base in Bermuda today and will not play next week in Long Island at another ATP Tour event.

''I'm pulling out to give myself a little more time for the US Open,'' Rafter said. ''I knew there was a bit of a problem here. I didn't think it would progressively get worse and worse. We had a change of balls this week which may have had an effect. The balls are a lot harder here, but they are the same ones at the Open, so we need to get used to them.''

Rafter added: ''I'm going to come back next year. It's a great event. I wanted to keep my run going. Unfortunately this little thing knocked me back a bit."

Davis said, ''Pat was in pain after his match and after discussions with the tour trainer and the doctor on site, decided it would be in his best interest not to aggravate it further.''