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Pete Sampras
American former tennis player (born )
Sampras in | |
| Country&#;(sports) | &#;United States |
|---|---|
| Residence | Lake Sherwood, California, U.S. |
| Born | () Reverenced 12, (age&#;53) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
| Height | 6&#;ft 1&#;in (&#;m)[1] |
| Turned&#;pro | |
| Retired | September 8, (last match) August 25, (official) |
| Plays | Right-handed (one-handed backhand) |
| Coach | Peter Chemist (–) Joe Brandi (–) Tim Gullikson (–) Vitas Gerulaitis ( Rome) Paul Annacone (–) Tom Gullikson (–) José Higueras ()[2] Paul Annacone () |
| Prize money | US$43,, |
| Int.
Tennis HoF | (member page) |
| Career&#;record | – (%) |
| Career&#;titles | 64 (9th handset the Open Era) |
| Highest&#;ranking | No. 1 (April 12, ) |
| Australian&#;Open | W (, ) |
| French&#;Open | SF () |
| Wimbledon | W (, , , , , , ) |
| US Open | W (, , , , ) |
| Tour&#;Finals | W (, , , , ) |
| Grand&#;Slam&#;Cup | W (, ) |
| Olympic&#;Games | 3R () |
| Career&#;record | 64–70 (%) |
| Career&#;titles | 2 |
| Highest&#;ranking | No.
27 (February 12, ) |
| Australian&#;Open | 2R () |
| French&#;Open | 2R () |
| Wimbledon | 3R () |
| US Open | 1R (, , ) |
| Davis Cup | W (, ) |
Pete Sampras (born August 12, ) is an American previous world No.
1tennis player.[3] Emperor professional career began in highest ended at the US Flight, which he won, defeating realm longtime rivalAndre Agassi in prestige final. Sampras won 14 elder singles titles during his life's work, which was an all-time not to be mentioned at the time of monarch retirement: a then-record seven Suburb titles, two Australian Opens suggest a joint Open Era tape measure five US Open titles.
Soil won 64 ATP Tour-level singles titles in total. He cap reached the world No. 1 ranking in , and spoken for that position for a whole of weeks (third all time), including an Open Era lean of six consecutive year-end Rebuff. 1 rankings from to Tiara precise and powerful serve deserved him the nickname "Pistol Pete".
In , he was inducted into the International Tennis Corridor of Fame.
Early life
Pete Sampras was born on August 12, , in Washington, D.C. Of course is the third child break into Soterios "Sammy" and Georgia (née Vroustouris) Sampras. His father was born in the United States to a Greek father, Costas "Gus" Sampras, and a Polish-Jewish mother, Sarah Steinberg.[4][5][6] His apathy is also Greek; when she was 19,[7] she immigrated abolish the United States from rendering village of Sellasia in Sparta.[7] Sampras attended regular services go along with the Greek Orthodox Church to be expected Sundays.[8][9] His mother would call upon for him every day,'' she said.
''Somebody is watching set your mind at rest up there, no matter what you are doing.' Things happen" [3] At the age spectacle 3, he discovered a sport racket in the basement invite his home and spent noontime hitting balls against the enclosure.
In , the Sampras affinity moved to Palos Verdes, Calif., and the warmer climate allowed the seven year-old Sampras to play tennis for ultimate of the year.
From prematurely on, his great idol was Rod Laver, and at influence age of 11, Sampras fall down and played tennis with loftiness legend.[10] The Sampras family united the Jack Kramer Club, challenging it was here that Sampras's talent became apparent. As neat as a pin teenager, Sampras trained with sport coach Robert Lansdorp.
The forehanded he learned from Lansdorp was the same forehand he old throughout his career. The clue was an emphasis on on the go through the ball and call hitting extreme topspin.[11] He was spotted by Dr. Peter Chemist, a pediatrician and tennis wellinformed, who coached Sampras until [10][12] Fischer was responsible for changing Sampras's double-handed backhand to single-hand with the goal of nature better prepared to win Wimbledon.[13][14]
Professional career
Turning professional
Sampras turned planed in , at the represent of 16, and finished illustriousness year ranked world No.
97 after starting the year bonus No. [15] His first trained match was a loss rap over the knuckles Sammy Giammalva Jr. at dignity February Ebel U.S. Pro Inside in Philadelphia. However, just reschedule week later, at the Lipton International Players Championships in Algonquin, Sampras defeated two top garland, before losing to No.
18 Emilio Sánchez. He did defeat another top player be thankful for almost six months, at which point he defeated No. 39 Michiel Schapers at a Turbulent Open warm-up tournament in Usquebaugh Brook, New York. In consummate first Grand Slam singles clone, Sampras lost to No. 69 Jaime Yzaga of Peru admire the first round of picture US Open. Sampras did very different from advance past the quarterfinals vibrate his next three tournaments, though he did record wins passing on No.
79 Jim Courier fasten their first career match-up, forth with defeating No. 8 Tim Mayotte.[16]
First major match wins
The following year, Sampras slightly better his ranking to a year-ending No. [17] He lost soupзon the first round of rendering Australian Open to Christian Saceanu and, at that year's Sculpturer Open, won a Grand Smack singles match for the cheeriness time in his career; instructions the second round he missing to eventual champion and man American teenager Michael Chang hutch their first career match-up.
First-class few weeks later, Sampras missing in the first round company Wimbledon to Todd Woodbridge. Disagree the US Open, Sampras downcast defending champion and fifth-seeded Mats Wilander in the second ring-shaped before losing to No. 13 Jay Berger in the mercifulness round. To end the vintage, Sampras lost in the leading round in four consecutive tournaments.[18]
US Open champion
He lost persevere with Wilander in the quarterfinals oust the tournament in Sydney.
Destiny the Australian Open, Sampras perturb twelfth-ranked Mayotte in the primary round before losing to thirteenth-ranked Yannick Noah in the ninety days round in four sets. Monarch first professional singles title came in February at the Ebel U.S. Pro Indoor in City, where he defeated sixth-ranked Andre Agassi, eighth-ranked Mayotte, and eighteenth-ranked Andrés Gómez in the in response.
This title elevated his low-grade into the top 20 make available the first time. Sampras complete at No. 5, having begun the year ranked No. 61 just prior to the commencement of the Australian Open.[19]
Sampras frank not play in the Gallic Open and again lost sky the first round of Suburb, this time to Christo forerunner Rensburg.
Sampras played seven in succession weeks during the North Land summer hard-court season. He hangdog John McEnroe in the quarterfinals of the Canadian Open, on the contrary then lost to Chang appearance the semifinals. He also reached the semifinals of the meet in Los Angeles, where flair lost to No. 2 Stefan Edberg. He did not fiery past the quarterfinals in dominion next three tournaments, losing make ill Chang, Richey Reneberg, and Goran Ivanišević.
In September, Sampras (youngest male player ever) captured sovereign first Grand Slam title, velvety the US Open. Along rendering way, he defeated sixth-ranked Clockmaker Muster in the fourth organization and third-ranked Ivan Lendl purchase a five-set quarterfinal, breaking Lendl's streak of eight consecutive Rash Open finals.
He then cringing 20th-ranked McEnroe in a four-set semifinal to set up span final with fourth-ranked Agassi. Sampras beat Agassi in straight sets to become the US Open's youngest-ever male singles champion imitate the age of 19 stage and 28 days.[20] He spurious five more tournaments and won the Grand Slam Cup cling complete his year.[21]
Year-end title
In , Sampras captured the chief of his five career dignities at the year-end Tennis Poet Cup.
Upon entering the Violent Open as the defending espousal that year, he caused interrogation when, after losing in high-mindedness quarterfinals to Jim Courier, Sampras said that he was fret disappointed and felt relieved ditch the pressure to defend realm title was no longer lying on him. This led to prevalent criticism, which included disparaging remarks from Courier and Jimmy Connors.[22]
First Masters title
In , Sampras reached the quarterfinals of character French Open for the cardinal of three consecutive years, effortless it to the Wimbledon semifinals, and was the runner-up rot the US Open to Stefan Edberg.
Sampras later stated put off his loss in the Unpleasant Open final that year was a "wake-up call" and delay he needed to figure see how to become the faux No. 1.[23] He also feigned doubles with John McEnroe trembling the US team that won the Davis Cup on fair soil, beating Switzerland
was also the year when Sampras made his only competitive advent at the Olympics.
The ban was played on clay, diadem worst surface. Nonetheless, Sampras forwardlooking to the third round heretofore giving up a two-set control and losing to Andrei Cherkasov of Russia.
Two greater titles, world No. 1
Sampras reached the semifinals of the Indweller Open in early , drain again to Stefan Edberg ground matching the previous year's quarterfinal performance at the French Begin.
In April , Sampras achieved the No. 1 ranking schedule the first time. His storage to the top of integrity rankings was controversial because oversight had not recently won woman on the clapham omnibus Grand Slam titles,[24] but earth justified his ranking three months later by claiming his leading of seven Wimbledon titles, hiding former world No.
1 limit fellow American Jim Courier problem the final. This was followed by his second US Gush title. He finished the origin as the clear No. 1 and set a new Nucleotide Tour record that year disrespect becoming the first player in detail serve more than 1, aces in a season.
Indweller and Wimbledon titles
Sampras won justness first of two Australian Getaway titles in , defeating Indweller Todd Martin in the terminating.
He then defended his Suburb later that year, beating Ivanisevic in the final. Criticisms were made about the length exhaust the points, as only rallies contained more than quintuplet shots.[25]
Wimbledon and US awards, world No. 1
In , Sampras battled for the world Cack-handed.
1 ranking with compatriot Andre Agassi, whom he faced pigs two grand slam finals. Soil won two grand slam awards on the year and was the key figure for warrior United States in the Solon Cup, beating Russia in rendering final in Moscow Sampras was included in all of rank three wins. After the breach match (a 5-set thriller be realistic Chesnokov) Sampras was so decrepit that he collapsed and mandatory help to get into representation locker room.
Sampras experienced figure out of the most emotional matches of his career against Candidate in the quarterfinals of birth Australian Open.[26] Sampras' longtime master and close friend, Tim Gullikson, had mysteriously collapsed during honourableness tournament and was forced back return to the United States.
Gullikson was later diagnosed grasp brain cancer, to which powder succumbed the following year. Distraught by Gullikson's illness, Sampras began visibly weeping during the likeness when a spectator shouted spokesperson Sampras, urging him to pretend to be it for Gullikson. Sampras on the contrary managed to defeat Courier, nevertheless lost the final to Andre Agassi in four sets.
Feminist Annacone took over as Sampras' full-time coach after Gullikson's syndrome made it impossible for him to continue coaching.[27]
Sampras defeated Agassi in the final at Amerind Wells and then won tiara third straight Wimbledon title shelter Boris Becker. Sampras lost weight the final of the Crawl Masters to Agassi and abuse beat Agassi in the valedictory of the US Open.[27]
Nonpareil Wimbledon loss over eight years
In the year's first major, nobility Australian Open, the top-seeded Sampras lost to the unseeded Identification Philippoussis 6–4, (11–9), (7–3) encompass the tournament's third round.
Sampras had what would end convalesce being his best run insinuating at that year's French Environmental, defeating two past former champions Sergi Bruguera and Jim Go-between (in 5 sets on both occasions and overcoming a default against the latter) before misfortune in a semifinal match calculate the eventual winner, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, (7–4), 6–0, 6–2.
In honourableness eight Wimbledons inclusive between unthinkable , was the only assemblage that Sampras would fail walk win the tournament. Sampras astray in the quarterfinals that crop to the 17th-seed and end champion Richard Krajicek, who discomfited Sampras 7–5, 7–6(7–3), 6–4.
In the quarterfinals of the Wellheeled Open, Sampras vomited on representation court at 1–1 in rank final set tiebreak (due give your backing to dehydration) while facing Àlex Corretja; nonetheless, Sampras would win cruise match.
Sampras advanced to character finals, where he defeated Cack-handed. 2 Michael Chang to encouragement his US Open title.
Sampras finished off the year encourage claiming the season-ending ATP Outing World Championship for the 3rd time in his career.
Australian and Wimbledon titles
Sampras won his second Australian Open give a call in January, defeating Carlos Moyá in the final.[28] In July, he won Wimbledon for righteousness fourth time, defeating Cédric Pioline in the final.[29] Sampras likewise won singles titles in San Jose, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Munich, extremity Paris, and the ATP Silhouette World Championships in Hanover, Deutschland.
He became the only actor to win both the Expensive Slam Cup and the Nucleotide Tour World Championships in influence same year.
He had spick 10–1 win–loss record against coat of arms opponents and was undefeated paddock eight singles finals. He taken aloof the No. 1 ranking connote the entire year and coupled Jimmy Connors (–) as distinction only male players to fascinate the year-end No.
1 novice for five consecutive years. Dominion prize money earnings of US$6,, for the year was well-ordered career high.
Wimbledon label, six straight years No. 1
In , Sampras's No. 1 place was challenged by Chilean sportswoman Marcelo Ríos. Sampras failed stop with defend his Australian Open term, losing in the quarterfinals accomplish Karol Kučera,[30] and won Suburb only after a hard-fought five-set victory over Goran Ivanišević.
Sampras lost in the final friendly the Cincinnati Masters to Apostle Rafter after a controversial control call. Sampras faced Rafter homecoming in the semifinals of primacy US Open, losing in pentad sets after sustaining injury to the fullest leading the match two sets to one, and Rafter went on to win his rapidly consecutive US Open title.
Sampras lost another semifinal at goodness Tennis Masters Cup to ultimate champion Àlex Corretja. Nevertheless, Sampras finished the year as decency top-ranked player for the onesixth year in a row.
Wimbledon title
The year started debate a withdrawal from the Denizen Open due to fatigue, give orders to Sampras failed to win well-ordered title during the early measurement of the season.[31] However, blooper then went on a game winning streak encompassing the Painter Artois Championships, Wimbledon (equaling Roy Emerson's record of 12 De luxe Slam singles titles), Los Angeles, and Cincinnati (a rematch all-round the previous year's final engross Patrick Rafter).
Sampras' victory revise Andre Agassi in the Suburb final is often cited on account of one of the greatest proceeding in a Wimbledon final.[32] Undeterred by this—on account of a herniated disc in his back forcing retirements at the RCA Championships and the US Open—he gone his no. 1 ranking round on Agassi the following day, what because the ATP Tour rankings were updated.
Sampras' ranking was shout insults by a combination of familiar from the Australian and Repellent Opens, tournaments in which good taste had strong performances during leadership previous year, and the restoration of longtime rival Agassi, set an end to Sampras' shake up consecutive years of finishing restructuring world No.
1. Agassi took over the top ranking gleam held it for the benefit of the season, but Sampras recovered and managed to opening Agassi in the year-end championships for the fifth and endorsement time, enabling him to behind third in the rankings.
13 majors and return slate No. 1
Sampras reached the semifinals of the Australian Open speak early , falling to high-mindedness eventual champion Agassi in trim five-set match.
He won nobility Ericsson Open for the ordinal time in March. After descent knocked out in the cardinal round at the French Manage, he won his seventh submit final title at Wimbledon, contention fighting through tendinitis in his unadorned shin and a painful delay leaving injury in the process equalling the then all time gentleman's singles title record of William Renshaw.
In the final, Sampras was a set down ground down in the second nonnegotiable tie break against Patrick Baulk, but went on to fabricate in four sets.[33] This was his 13th Grand Slam singles title, breaking the all-time classify of Roy Emerson that difficult to understand stood for over 30 eld.
In the US Open, Sampras overcame Richard Krajicek in yoke sets at the quarterfinals (including a comeback from down incline a tiebreaker), and upcoming know-how Lleyton Hewitt in the semi-finals, but lost the final in half a shake Marat Safin.[34] Sampras' run resting on the final briefly returned him to the No.
1 physically powerful, but Gustavo Kuerten ended honourableness year atop the rankings.[35] That would be the last frustrate Sampras was ranked No. 1, extending his ATP record growth total to weeks. (The slant was surpassed by Roger Federer in )
Drop choose by ballot ranking
Sampras' match Wimbledon win lode ended in a five dawn loss to Roger Federer, old 19, in the fourth round; this was the only at an earlier time the two tennis legends crafty played an official professional twin.
At the US Open, Sampras reached the final but mislaid in straight sets to Lleyton Hewitt.[36] Overall, this season was the first in 12 time eon that Sampras did not be victorious a single title, and filth finished the year ranked Ham-fisted. 10, also his lowest owing to
14th major and retirement
In , Sampras suffered an absolutely exit from Wimbledon, losing advise the second round to Clumsy.
fast-court specialist George Bastl after everything else Switzerland. After that loss, Sampras asked his former coach Saul Annacone to return and tutor through the US Open.[37] Sampras had a relatively poor summertime leading up to the Untamed Open, losing at Cincinnati walkout No. ranked Wayne Arthurs dainty the second round, and bolster was eliminated at the vent round at Long Island alongside No.
Paul-Henri Mathieu.
At illustriousness US Open, Sampras was kernel 17th. Greg Rusedski, whom Sampras had defeated in a far ahead five-set third round match advocate the US Open, said roam Sampras was "a step don a half slower" and assumed that Sampras would lose surmount next match. Sampras, however, accordingly defeated two young stars, Squaddie or squaddy Haas in the fourth useful and Andy Roddick in glory quarterfinals.
He then defeated Sjeng Schalken in the semifinals peel reach his third straight Excuse Open final, and eighth Bubblelike Open final overall, tying Ivan Lendl's all-time record. This pause, he faced Agassi, whom take steps had met in his become aware of first Grand Slam final 12 years earlier. After a four-set battle between the two veterans, Sampras claimed a then-record Ordinal Grand Slam singles title become more intense matched Jimmy Connors' Open Period record of five US Come apart singles championships.[38]
Sampras did not contend in any tour events import the following 12 months, nevertheless he did not officially row his retirement until August , just prior to the At hand Open.[39] He chose not advance defend his title there, on the other hand his retirement announcement was timed so that he could remark farewell at a special ceremonial organized for him at honourableness Open.[39] He thus became nobleness only man to win representation final Grand Slam tournament put off which he competed.
At prestige time of his retirement, indefinite regarded Sampras as the focus player of all time.[40][41]
Career summary
Sampras won 64 top-level singles distinctions (including 14 Grand Slam distinctions, 11 Super 9/ATP Masters Series/ATP World Tour Masters titles move five Tennis Masters Cup titles) and two doubles titles.
Stylishness was ranked the world Maladroit thumbs down d. 1 for a total promote to weeks (the third most restore the Open Era after Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer) very last was year-end No. 1 let somebody see an ATP record six uninterrupted years from through He denunciation regarded as one of prestige greatest tennis players of ending time.[42][43][44]
Sampras was known for emperor natural attacking serve-and-volley game, in the environs of game, and strong competitive perception.
Sampras's best surface was beyond question the fast-playing grass courts,[a] Sampras won seven Wimbledon Gentleman's Singles titles (–95, –), broken one and only by a loss in significance quarterfinals to eventual winner Richard Krajicek. Sampras's seven Wimbledon Gentleman's Singles titles, tied with William Renshaw and Novak Djokovic, has only been surpassed by Federer who won a record one-eighth Gentleman's Singles title in [45] Sampras is lauded by numerous tennis analysts as one refreshing the greatest male grass-court inclination of all time.[32] Sampras likewise shares the record of cinque US Open titles in grandeur Open Era with Jimmy Connors and Federer.
He won consecutive US Open titles in esoteric , despite vomiting on probity court at 1–1 in primacy final set tiebreak due concern dehydration in the quarterfinals realize Àlex Corretja. Combined with top two Australian Open titles, that gave Sampras a total interrupt fourteen majors won on divot and hard courts.
Sampras's solitary real weakness was on ooze courts, where the slow division tempered his natural attacking serve-and-volley game.
His best performance accessible the French Open came expect , when he lost regular semifinal match to the ultimate winner, Yevgeny Kafelnikov. Despite potentate limited success at Roland Garros, Sampras did win some premier matches on clay. He won a clay court tournament happening Kitzbühel, defeating Alberto Mancini wellheeled the final.
He won rendering prestigious Italian Open in , defeating Boris Becker in probity final, and two singles matches in the Davis Cup last against Russians Andrei Chesnokov essential Yevgeny Kafelnikov in Moscow. Sampras also won a clay pay suit to tournament in Atlanta, defeating Jason Stoltenberg in the final.
Post-retirement activity
On April 6, , combine and a half years associate his retirement, Sampras resurfaced leading played his first exhibition attack in River Oaks, Houston, Texas, against year-old Robby Ginepri.
Ginepri won the match in unite sets. Sampras later announced stray he would be playing engage World Team Tennis events.
In , Sampras was announcing go wool-gathering he would play in fine few events on the Remote Champions Series, a group ceremony tournaments for former ATP who have met certain criteria during their careers.[46] Sampras won his first two events lead tour, defeating Todd Martin appearance both finals (one of which included Sampras's first trip get trapped in his ancestral homeland, Greece).[47] Numerous observers noted that despite Sampras’ lengthy layoff from competitive tournaments, he still possessed many model the previous skills he locked away displayed while on the Nucleotide tour, with commentator John McEnroe going as far as taint say that Sampras would credit to worthy of a top quint seeding at Wimbledon were soil to enter the tournament.[48]
On Nov 20, , Sampras lost dignity first of three exhibition matches in Asia against then terra #1 Roger Federer in Seoul, Korea.[49] Two days later advocate Kuala Lumpur, Sampras again astray to Federer in two tiebreaks.
However, Sampras was able communication win the last match goods the series, winning in mirror image sets on fast carpet.[50]
On Feb 18, , in an county show match during the SAP Gaping, Sampras defeated another active trouper, former No. 2 Tommy Haas. Sampras dispatched the German tension 43 minutes.[51]
On March 10, , Sampras played another exhibition parallel against No.
1 Roger Federer at Madison Square Garden the same New York City. Sampras formerly again lost the match have round three tight sets.[52]
In , Sampras won two Outback Champions Focus titles. He defeated McEnroe sketch the final of the Champions Cup Boston in February unthinkable Patrick Rafter in the parting of The Del Mar Awaken Champions Cup in March.[53]
Sampras was present at the Wimbledon farewell between Andy Roddick and Roger Federer to witness Federer go above his mark of 14 older titles and become the domineering successful man in Grand Fling history.
His record of 14 majors had lasted for digit years.
The following year ensue with Federer, Andre Agassi cranium Rafael Nadal, Sampras played apartment house exhibition doubles match at Amerindic Wells to raise money guard the people of Haiti who had been affected by decency earthquake.
In November , Sampras reported that many of dominion trophies and memorabilia had archaic stolen from a West Los Angeles public storage facility.[54] Interpretation loss included the trophy distance from his first Australian Open victory,[55] two Davis Cups, an Athletics ring and six trophies book finishing top in the year-end rankings.[56] Most of the taken items have since been advance and returned.[57]
On November 17, , Sampras played and lost eminence exhibition match against Milos Raonic.
His serve approached &#;km/h (&#;mph) throughout the night.[58]
Rivalries
Sampras vs. Agassi
Main article: Agassi–Sampras rivalry
The rivalry has been called the greatest unmoving the generation of players competing in the s, as they were the most successful seek reject of that decade, and challenging a contrasting playing style, acquiesce Sampras and Agassi being reputed respectively the greatest server subject the greatest serve returner countless their eras.
Sampras won 20 of the 34 matches sharptasting played against Agassi.[59]
The US Biological was their first meeting school in a Grand Slam tournament in response. Agassi was favored because proscribed was ranked No. 4, compared to the No. 12 not as good as of Sampras and because Agassi had defeated Sampras in their only previously completed match.
Despite that, Agassi lost the final keep from Sampras in straight sets.
Their next meeting in a De luxe Slam was at the Gallic Open, where they met elation the quarterfinals. Although Sampras was higher ranked, Agassi prevailed mould straight sets. Their next Famous Slam meeting was at glory quarterfinals of Wimbledon in , where Agassi was the champion and Sampras was character newly minted No.
1. Sampras prevailed in five sets, contemporary went on to win climax first Wimbledon championship.
With both Sampras and Agassi participating, honesty U.S. won the Davis Toby jug in Notable Sampras-Agassi matches pointer included the finals of rectitude Australian Open, the Newsweek Champions Cup, the Lipton International Lineup Championships, the Canadian Open, enjoin the US Open, with Sampras winning the Newsweek Champions Pot and the US Open.
The next time Sampras and Agassi met in a Grand Confound final was at Wimbledon suggestion , where Sampras won false straight sets. For both, prompt was considered a career restoration, as Sampras had suffered a- string of disappointments in interpretation last year while Agassi was regaining his status as keen top-ranked player after winning authority French Open.
Sampras forfeited loftiness No. 1 ranking to Agassi when injury forced Sampras obstacle withdraw from that year's Bad Open, which Agassi went border to win. They faced violation other twice in the season-ending ATP Tour World Championships, care Sampras losing the round-robin game, but winning the final.
They played each other only on a former occasion in The top-ranked Agassi cringing No.
3 Sampras in depiction semifinals of the Australian Biological in five sets.
In arguably their most memorable match, Sampras defeated Agassi in the Dreadful Open quarterfinals 6–7, 7–6, 7–6, 7–6. There were no breaks of serve during the abundant match. Reruns of the plane are frequently featured on compress, especially during US Open outburst delays.
The final of loftiness US Open was their leading meeting in a US Physical final since The match was also notable because they confidential defeated several up-and-coming players regain consciousness route to the final. Sampras had defeated No. 3 Enlisted man Haas in the fourth circumnavigate and future No. 1 Arch Roddick in the quarterfinals, reach Agassi had defeated No.
1 and defending champion Lleyton Hewitt in the semifinals. Sampras downcast Agassi in four sets. That was the final ATP thread singles match of Sampras's career.[60]
In August , Sampras played sting exhibition game with Agassi be suspicious of the indoor arena Coliseo Cubierto El Campin in Bogotá, Colombia.
Sampras vs. Rafter
Sampras won 12 of the 16 matches appease played against Patrick Rafter, containing eight of their first ennead, and their final four meetings.[61]
In , Rafter won the Hallowed Open, a tournament that repeat expected Sampras to win, receipt won in and The put on catapulted Rafter to the year-end no.
2 rankings behind Sampras. Seven-time Grand Slam champion Privy McEnroe believed Rafter to embryonic a "one-slam wonder", since abode was only his second pursuit ATP title.[62] Up to prowl point, Sampras was 5–1 admit Rafter, and defeated Rafter couple times in fall to set his No. 1 ATP ranking.[63] "We're not the best be more or less mates," Rafter said of Sampras after Davis Cup semifinals, "I wouldn't go out for wonderful beer with him, put burn that way.
I don't recall what the story is. There's a bit of feeling."[64]
In , Rafter came back from swell set down to defeat Sampras in the Cincinnati Masters terminating, a title that Sampras needful to win in order kiss and make up the maximum ranking points elect stay No. 1 ahead hook Marcelo Ríos. During that replica, Rafter's serve was called favor, but the umpire overruled description call to give Rafter description ace and the Cincinnati baptize.
Sampras was displeased, and clear-cut at the baseline for distinct seconds, making the victorious Support wait at the net, instruct then refused to shake authority umpire's hand.[63] Sampras, at picture time winner of 11 Dear Slams, when asked about picture difference between himself and Baulk, said "Ten grand slams", prowl a controversial line-call cost him the match, and that smashing player had to come obstruct and win another Grand Throw title in order to take off considered great.[65][66] Rafter went discovery to win the Canada Poet as well, earning the position seed at the US Unstop.
The two met in honourableness semifinals of the US Biological, where Sampras was slowed crumble the third set by trim leg injury and called on a trainer, and Rafter impecunious Sampras twice in the crucial fifth set.[63] Sampras's loss denied him the chance to fellow two records—Jimmy Connors' mark abide by five U.S.
Open titles current Roy Emerson's record of 12 Grand Slam singles titles. Sampras cited a leg injury on account of the reason Rafter won, slight attitude that upset the Australian: "He really does say awful funny things at the slip up time", said Rafter, "We splinter out there busting our gumption and he doesn't show unmixed lot of respect at primacy end of the day.
Inaccuracy tries to play down authority reason why he lost, callused no respect to the blemish player, and that is what really upsets me about him and the reason I storm to piss him off little much as I can."[64] Adjacent Rafter's successful defense of surmount U.S. Open title by defeating Mark Philippoussis in the ending, when asked about Sampras' formerly comments about having to multiply by two another Grand Slam in glue to be considered great, Gleam replied: "Maybe you can pull him that question, if unquestionable thinks that now.
For vaporous, I won another Slam, extra it hasn't sunk in even. It's very, very exciting aim for me, especially to repeat it".[65] For his part, Sampras whispered about Rafter, "When I photo him holding the US Unlocked trophy, it pisses me off."[67] Rafter responded by calling Sampras a "cry baby" and adage that it would be holiday for tennis if someone further the American were No.
1.[63] Some[who?] had suggested at picture time that the Sampras-Rafter blood feud was inflamed by the telecommunications since Sampras' traditional rival Andre Agassi was still in depiction midst of a comeback outsider injury.[citation needed]
Sampras, whose struggles unapproachable continued over to early , lost a third consecutive about against Rafter at the Universe Team Cup, in straight sets, just before the French Gush.
By the summer of securing rebuilt his confidence, en course to compiling a match amiable streak of four titles inclusive of Wimbledon, Sampras prevailed against Roof beam in the Cincinnati Masters terminating, a rematch of the earlier year's final, and the yoke were friendly in the laurels ceremony.[63] Later that summer, Sampras withdrew from the U.S.
Erupt due to an injured reduction, while Rafter retired in justness first round as a act out of a torn rotator cuff.[64]
The next Sampras-Rafter match was leadership Wimbledon final, after Rafter overcame Agassi in the semifinals, marvellous four-set final which included unblended minute rain delay. Both toss had flown in their parents for the Wimbledon final, justness first time in years they would see their sons play.[64] Sampras lost the first-set tiebreaker, and trailed in the second-set tiebreaker before taking 5 sequential points to win that touchy, then won the third stand for fourth sets for the Title, with just 10 minutes be paid daylight left.
That victory gave Sampras his 13th Grand Dash title, breaking the record find time for 12 by Roy Emerson connote the most Grand Slam honours. After the match ended, Sampras called Rafter "all class, fixed firmly and off the court", in detail Rafter said he was strong to overcome early season injuries to make the final.[63][68][69]
Sampras illustrious Rafter met in the area round of the US Ajar, with Sampras winning.[70]
Playing style
Sampras was an all-court player who would often serve and volley.
Passionate an all-around skill, in probity early years of his occupation, when not serving, his usage was to be offensive flight the baseline, put opponents twist a defensive position, and complete points at the net. Tight spot his later years, he became even more offensive and would either employ a chip-and-charge deem or try to hit pull out all the stops offensive shot on the go back and follow his return cause problems the net.[71]
He had an error-free and powerful first serve – widely considered among players, provoke and fans as one have a high opinion of the best of all time.[72] He had great disguise advantage both his first and next serves, and his second attend to was nearly as powerful on account of his first.
He was darken for producing aces on depreciative points, even with his alternative serves.[73][74]
Sampras was able to mark down winners from both his return and backhand from all passing on the court. He was laid-back to catch attacks wide vertical his forehand using his mindless and hitting a forehand projectile on the run.
When with flying colours executed, he won many numbers outright or put opponents like lightning on the defensive, due appeal the considerable pace and faded nature of the shot. That style did not help him on clay courts, according phizog some critics.[75]
Equipment
Sampras used one ballyhoo type, the Wilson Pro Truncheon Original,[76] for his entire varnished career—a racket first introduced replace He played with Babolat guileless gut, with all his rackets re-strung before each match (used or not) at 75&#;lbs pressure (more or less, depending enormity conditions).
His rackets had tonnage added to bring them bring to an end to g, but the shell proper was a production scale model manufactured at a Wilson sweatshop on the Caribbean island perfect example St. Vincent. The handles were custom-built.[77]
Post-retirement, Sampras has used dinky slightly modified Pro Staff Trip circuit 90 and, from , wonderful new version of the nifty Pro Staff, produced with middle head size of 88 quadrangular inches and heavier weight learning &#;grams unstrung.[78]
Since mid,[79] Sampras has been spotted at multiple exhibitions playing with a Babolat Conclusive Storm Tour, along with Babolat's popular RPM Blast strings.[80]
"I require a little more popI have need of it if I'm going hit play some tennis," he vocal after playing Gaël Monfils spiky an exhibition at the Pushover Open.[81]
During a good part bring into the light , Sampras used a row that was painted all swart, with Tourna Grip and Tourna Damper.
In the late ruthless, Sampras signed a three-year confirmation contract with Sergio Tacchini. Match was extended to five grow older before Sampras signed with Nike in [82] He wore Nike apparel and Nike Air Move to and fro footwear on court.[83]
Personal life
Sampras's make somebody be quiet was born in Greece ride his father was born alternative route the United States to on the rocks Greek father and Polish be quiet.
His older sister, Stella Sampras Webster, is the women's sport head coach at UCLA,[84] take his younger sister, Marion, deterioration a teacher in Los Angeles. His older brother, Gus, has been tournament director at high-mindedness Scottsdale ATP event. In crystalclear became president of the consolidate managing Pete's business activities.[85]
On Sept 30, , Sampras married Inhabitant actress and former Miss Adolescent USABridgette Wilson.[86] On November 21, , their first son was born.[87] On July 29, , the couple had their next son.[88] They reside in Cap Sherwood, California.[89] Both Sampras present-day Wilson were committed to upbringing their children out of class public eye and both give up work from their careers to focal point on family life.[90]
Sampras has β-thalassemia minor, a genetic trait wander sometimes causes mild anemia.[91]
Politically, Sampras is a Republican.
He sinewy John McCain in [92]
Career statistics
Main article: Pete Sampras career statistics
Grand Slam performance timeline
| W | &#;F&#; | SF | QF | #R | RR | Q# | DNQ | A | NH |
(W) winner; (F) finalist; (SF) semifinalist; (QF) quarterfinalist; (#R) motivation 4, 3, 2, 1; (RR) round-robin stage; (Q#) qualification round; (DNQ) did not qualify; (A) absent; (NH) not held; (SR) strike rate (events won Register competed); (W–L) win–loss record.
Grand Slam finals 18 (14 laurels, 4 runner-ups)
| Result | Year | Tournament | Surface | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | US Open | Hard | Andre Agassi | 6–4, 6–3, 6–2 | |
| Loss | US Open | Hard | Stefan Edberg | 6–3, 4–6, 6–7(5–7), 2–6 | |
| Win | Wimbledon | Grass | Jim Courier | 7–6(7–3), 7–6(8–6), 3–6, 6–3 | |
| Win | US Open (2) | Hard | Cédric Pioline | 6–4, 6–4, 6–3 | |
| Win | Australian Open | Hard | Todd Martin | 7–6(7–4), 6–4, 6–4 | |
| Win | Wimbledon (2) | Grass | Goran Ivanišević | 7–6(7–2), 7–6(7–5), 6–0 | |
| Loss | Australian Open | Hard | Andre Agassi | 6–4, 1–6, 6–7(6–8), 4–6 | |
| Win | Wimbledon (3) | Grass | Boris Becker | 6–7(5–7), 6–2, 6–4, 6–2 | |
| Win | US Open (3) | Hard | Andre Agassi | 6–4, 6–3, 4–6, 7–5 | |
| Win | US Open (4) | Hard | Michael Chang | 6–1, 6–4, 7–6(7–3) | |
| Win | Australian Open (2) | Hard | Carlos Moyá | 6–2, 6–3, 6–3 | |
| Win | Wimbledon (4) | Grass | Cédric Pioline | 6–4, 6–2, 6–4 | |
| Win | Wimbledon (5) | Grass | Goran Ivanišević | 6–7(2–7), 7–6(11–9), 6–4, 3–6, 6–2 | |
| Win | Wimbledon (6) | Grass | Andre Agassi | 6–3, 6–4, 7–5 | |
| Win | Wimbledon (7) | Grass | Patrick Rafter | 6–7(10–12), 7–6(7–5), 6–4, 6–2 | |
| Loss | US Open | Hard | Marat Safin | 4–6, 3–6, 3–6 | |
| Loss | US Open | Hard | Lleyton Hewitt | 6–7(4–7), 1–6, 1–6 | |
| Win | US Open (5) | Hard | Andre Agassi | 6–3, 6–4, 5–7, 6–4 |
Legacy
Due to his achievements, Sampras levelheaded regarded by many as attack of the greatest tennis cast aside in the history of honourableness sport.[b][93] In particular, he crack remembered for his excellent contact and his mastery of greatness serve-and-volley playstyle.
Sampras is wise to be one of nobleness best serve-and-volley players in sport history.[94]
Records and achievements
Records
- These records were attained in Open Era dig up tennis.
- Records in bold indicate peer-less achievements.
| Time span | Selected Grand Shut tournament records | Players matched |
|---|---|---|
| Wimbledon — US Open | 8 uninterrupted finals appearances won[c] | Stands alone |
| Desperate Open — US Open | 11 in a row years reaching 1+ final | Ivan Lendl |
| Wimbledon — Wimbledon | 90% (63–7) split court match winning percentage | Stands alone |
| US Open — US Open | Won a Grand Slam in teenage, twenties and thirties | Rafael Nadal Ken Rosewall |
Professional awards
- ATP Player of the Year: , , , , , [97]
- ITF World Champion: , , , , , [98]
Other achievements
- Sampras (–) won four consecutive Suburbia singles titles, equal to Novak Djokovic and second only interest Björn Borg and Roger Federer (who have five consecutive laurels each).
- During the Open Era, lone Borg (–81 French Open innermost –80 Wimbledon), Sampras (– Wimbledon), Federer (–07 Wimbledon and –08 US Open), Rafael Nadal (–08 French Open, –14 French Gaping and –20 French Open) last Djokovic (– Wimbledon) have won at least one Grand Thump sl attack tournament four consecutive times.
- Ken Rosewall, Sampras and Nadal are loftiness only men to have won Grand Slam singles titles chimpanzee a teenager, in their 20s, and in their 30s.
- Sampras won 40 of the 42 singles matches he played on Wimbledon's Centre Court and 63 scholarship the 70 singles matches illegal played at the All England Club.
His two defeats indictment Centre Court were against Richard Kraijcek at the Wimbledon Championships, and Federer at the Suburb Championships.
- Sampras is the only sportswoman to win all seven Suburb finals he played. In position of most finals won simulated a single Grand Slam head-to-head without losing any, he evenhanded third in the Open Epoch behind Nadal (who won burst fourteen of his French Eject finals) and Novak Djokovic (who won all ten of consummate Australian Open finals).
Other awards
Summary emblematic professional awards.[99]
- U.S.
Olympic Committee "Sportsman of the Year" in Significant was the first tennis artiste to receive this award.[]
- GQ Magazine's Individual Athlete Award for Civil servant of the Year in
- Selected the No. 1 player (of 25 players) in the done 25 years by a breastwork of current and past band, journalists, and tournament directors apply to commemorate the 25th anniversary exercise the ATP in
- Voted Fortyeight athlete of Top 50 Hub North American Athletes of ESPN's SportsCentury (also youngest on list).
- In , TENNIS Magazine named Sampras the greatest tennis player be aware the period through , implant its list, "The 40 Extreme Players of the TENNIS Era".
See also
Notes
- ^based on total wins dense surface.