In the third, Safin opened with the first game point. By the third game, Sampras had accumulated 19 unforced errors. Sampras fought to stay alive, accumulating more points down the line. Sampras's returns were too fast to catch, even when Safin became better at anticipating where Sampras would slam the ball next. Safin battled on with more aces that helped him take the lead in the third at 3-2.
Game wins alternated between the two.
Down to the wire, Safin took the advantage by returning a shot down the left sideline that Sampras just watched go by. Sampras took more double faults on serve. Points alternate between the two, building anticipation in the crowd. At match point, Sampras returns into the net. Safin ties it up.