Martin looks to extend his winning streak against Sampras

Todd Martin said on Saturday he looked forward to extending his winning streak against fellow American Pete Sampras in the Australian men's hardcourt championship in Adelaide starting on Monday.

Martin said he had beaten his first-round opponent, the former world number one, at their last meeting which was also in Australia.

Australian wildcard entrant Mark Philippoussis will play Frenchman Julien Boutter in the first round.

Briton Tim Henman, the top seed, will find out his opponent once qualifying finishes on Monday.

"I beat Pete the last time I played him, and it was in Melbourne last year, so I have some positive memories to draw upon for this week's match," Martin said.

"I have a one-match winning streak (against Sampras). That's after losing 17 out of 19 matches before, so I'm on number three and looking for number four.

"I've played two matches since early September, so it will be really interesting for me to get back onto the court and that's why I'm here.

"If I win against him that's great, if I win against somebody who can't play then that's fine too."