Pete should have quit two years ago

John McEnroe today said Pete Sampras should have quit tennis two years ago.

The former Wimbledon champion, now a BBC commentator, watched his fellow American crash out of the championships, beaten in the second round by the virtually unknown Swiss player George Bastl.

The exit of the seven-times Wimbledon champion followed that of No2 seed Marat Safin and No3 seed Andre Agassi, in one of the most dramatic days in the history of the tournament.

Half of the men's top 16 seeds have already fallen, presenting British No1 Tim Henman, seeded four, with his best chance of winning. He plays Australian Scott Draper on Centre Court later today.

Sampras has not won a Grand Slam since he claimed his 13th title at Wimbledon two years ago and his latest defeat represents his worst performance at the All England Club since 1991.

McEnroe, who won Wimbledon three times, said the summer of 2000 would have been the perfect time for Sampras to stop.

He said: "In an ideal world it is best to go out on top and you could argue that two years ago would have been it. What I found the most difficult was for the last 18 months of my career I didn't win any tournaments, and it has been two years for him. That wears on you.

"He is certainly used to winning big tournaments and there will come a time when he cannot handle it any more. It was a hot day and Sampras's condition was a factor.