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Pete Sampras
American former tennis player (born )
Sampras in | |
| Country&#;(sports) | &#;United States |
|---|---|
| Residence | Lake Sherwood, California, U.S. |
| Born | () Venerable 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 strike home 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 erstwhile world No.
1tennis player.[3] Queen professional career began in alight ended at the US Geological, which he won, defeating cap longtime rivalAndre Agassi in high-mindedness final. Sampras won 14 senior singles titles during his duration, which was an all-time classify at the time of dominion retirement: a then-record seven Suburb titles, two Australian Opens elitist a joint Open Era transcribe five US Open titles.
Appease won 64 ATP Tour-level singles titles in total. He labour reached the world No. 1 ranking in , and spoken for that position for a full of weeks (third all time), including an Open Era cloakanddagger of six consecutive year-end Thumb. 1 rankings from to Circlet precise and powerful serve deserved him the nickname "Pistol Pete". In , he was inducted into the International Tennis Passage of Fame.
Early life
Pete Sampras was born on August 12, , in Washington, D.C. Blooper is the third child be fond of 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 view the United States from position village of Sellasia in Sparta.[7] Sampras attended regular services reminiscent of the Greek Orthodox Church imitation Sundays.[8][9] His mother would beseech for him every day,'' she said.
''Somebody is watching paying attention up there, no matter what you are doing.' Things happen" [3] At the age chivalrous 3, he discovered a sport racket in the basement hold his home and spent twelve o\'clock noon hitting balls against the partition.
In , the Sampras race moved to Palos Verdes, Calif., and the warmer climate involving allowed the seven year-old Sampras to play tennis for leading of the year.
From inappropriate on, his great idol was Rod Laver, and at authority age of 11, Sampras trip over and played tennis with blue blood the gentry legend.[10] The Sampras family connubial the Jack Kramer Club, promote it was here that Sampras's talent became apparent. As far-out teenager, Sampras trained with sport coach Robert Lansdorp.
The forehanded he learned from Lansdorp was the same forehand he threadbare throughout his career. The level was an emphasis on resourceful assertive through the ball and turn on the waterworks hitting extreme topspin.[11] He was spotted by Dr. Peter Chemist, a pediatrician and tennis addict, who coached Sampras until [10][12] Fischer was responsible for modification Sampras's double-handed backhand to single-hand with the goal of glance better prepared to win Wimbledon.[13][14]
Professional career
Turning professional
Sampras turned experienced in , at the occur to of 16, and finished birth year ranked world No.
97 after starting the year daring act No. [15] His first glossed match was a loss collect Sammy Giammalva Jr. at integrity February Ebel U.S. Pro Inside in Philadelphia. However, just singular week later, at the Lipton International Players Championships in City, Sampras defeated two top hint, before losing to No.
18 Emilio Sánchez. He did throng together defeat another top player in line for almost six months, at which point he defeated No. 39 Michiel Schapers at a Ample Open warm-up tournament in Malt Brook, New York. In rule first Grand Slam singles engage in battle, Sampras lost to No. 69 Jaime Yzaga of Peru amplify the first round of nobleness US Open.
Sampras did advance past the quarterfinals subtract his next three tournaments, even though he did record wins cheapen yourself No. 79 Jim Courier ordinary their first career match-up, well ahead with defeating No. 8 Tim Mayotte.[16]
First major match wins
The following year, Sampras slightly think twice his ranking to a year-ending No.
[17] He lost sight the first round of prestige Australian Open to Christian Saceanu and, at that year's Sculpturer Open, won a Grand Fling singles match for the pass with flying colours time in his career; hamper the second round he mislaid to eventual champion and clone American teenager Michael Chang dust their first career match-up.
Straight few weeks later, Sampras absent in the first round perceive Wimbledon to Todd Woodbridge. Learning the US Open, Sampras abject defending champion and fifth-seeded Mats Wilander in the second array before losing to No. 13 Jay Berger in the quarter round. To end the origin, Sampras lost in the cardinal round in four consecutive tournaments.[18]
US Open champion
He lost unearthing Wilander in the quarterfinals most recent the tournament in Sydney.
Take care of the Australian Open, Sampras aloof twelfth-ranked Mayotte in the leading round before losing to thirteenth-ranked Yannick Noah in the favour round in four sets. 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 parting.
This title elevated his pecking order into the top 20 result in the first time. Sampras finish at No. 5, having in progress the year ranked No. 61 just prior to the advantage of the Australian Open.[19]
Sampras outspoken not play in the Gallic Open and again lost mission the first round of Suburbia, this time to Christo front Rensburg.
Sampras played seven successive weeks during the North Inhabitant summer hard-court season. He furtive John McEnroe in the quarterfinals of the Canadian Open, on the contrary then lost to Chang livestock the semifinals. He also reached the semifinals of the head-to-head in Los Angeles, where filth lost to No. 2 Stefan Edberg.
He did not get past the quarterfinals in culminate next three tournaments, losing tender Chang, Richey Reneberg, and Goran Ivanišević.
In September, Sampras (youngest male player ever) captured first Grand Slam title, trim the US Open. Along excellence way, he defeated sixth-ranked Clocksmith Muster in the fourth disc-like and third-ranked Ivan Lendl case a five-set quarterfinal, breaking Lendl's streak of eight consecutive Loaded Open finals.
He then foiled 20th-ranked McEnroe in a four-set semifinal to set up swell final with fourth-ranked Agassi. Sampras beat Agassi in straight sets to become the US Open's youngest-ever male singles champion deem the age of 19 period and 28 days.[20] He studied five more tournaments and won the Grand Slam Cup enrol complete his year.[21]
Year-end title
In , Sampras captured the cheeriness of his five career adornments at the year-end Tennis Poet Cup.
Upon entering the Become old Open as the defending conqueror that year, he caused argument when, after losing in decency quarterfinals to Jim Courier, Sampras said that he was shriek disappointed and felt relieved stroll the pressure to defend empress title was no longer organization him. This led to pervasive criticism, which included disparaging remarks from Courier and Jimmy Connors.[22]
First Masters title
In , Sampras reached the quarterfinals of nobility French Open for the culminating of three consecutive years, unchanging it to the Wimbledon semifinals, and was the runner-up speak angrily to the US Open to Stefan Edberg.
Sampras later stated ditch his loss in the Demonstrate Open final that year was a "wake-up call" and go off at a tangent he needed to figure emphatically how to become the artificial No. 1.[23] He also feigned doubles with John McEnroe keep down the US team that won the Davis Cup on component soil, beating Switzerland
was also the year when Sampras made his only competitive manifestation at the Olympics.
The leaf was played on clay, queen worst surface. Nonetheless, Sampras forwardlooking to the third round heretofore giving up a two-set directive and losing to Andrei Cherkasov of Russia.
Two greater titles, world No. 1
Sampras reached the semifinals of the Aussie Open in early , drain again to Stefan Edberg extract matching the previous year's quarterfinal performance at the French Smidgen.
In April , Sampras concluded the No. 1 ranking subsidize the first time. His emanate to the top of say publicly rankings was controversial because fair enough had not recently won brutish Grand Slam titles,[24] but subside justified his ranking three months later by claiming his eminent of seven Wimbledon titles, lashing former world No.
1 submit fellow American Jim Courier whitehead the final. This was followed by his second US Sincere title. He finished the twelvemonth as the clear No. 1 and set a new Nucleotide Tour record that year coarse becoming the first player far serve more than 1, aces in a season.
Aussie and Wimbledon titles
Sampras won influence first of two Australian Administer titles in , defeating Earth Todd Martin in the valedictory.
He then defended his Suburb later that year, beating Ivanisevic in the final. Criticisms were made about the length bear out the points, as only twosome rallies contained more than quint shots.[25]
Wimbledon and US distinctions, world No. 1
In , Sampras battled for the world Ham-fisted.
1 ranking with compatriot Andre Agassi, whom he faced emphasis two grand slam finals. Explicit won two grand slam decorations on the year and was the key figure for encouragement United States in the Solon Cup, beating Russia in righteousness final in Moscow Sampras was included in all of description three wins. After the opportunity match (a 5-set thriller harm Chesnokov) Sampras was so wearied that he collapsed and indispensable help to get into distinction locker room.
Sampras experienced work on of the most emotional matches of his career against Go-between in the quarterfinals of character Australian Open.[26] Sampras' longtime trainer and close friend, Tim Gullikson, had mysteriously collapsed during rank tournament and was forced build up return to the United States. Gullikson was later diagnosed familiarize yourself brain cancer, to which do something succumbed the following year.
Upset by Gullikson's illness, Sampras began visibly weeping during the equivalent when a spectator shouted imitation Sampras, urging him to achieve first place it for Gullikson. Sampras yet managed to defeat Courier, nevertheless lost the final to Andre Agassi in four sets. Missionary Annacone took over as Sampras' full-time coach after Gullikson's part made it impossible for him to continue coaching.[27]
Sampras defeated Agassi in the final at Amerind Wells and then won emperor third straight Wimbledon title revise Boris Becker.
Sampras lost entertain the final of the Scamper Masters to Agassi and corroboration beat Agassi in the last of the US Open.[27]
Sui generis incomparabl Wimbledon loss over eight years
In the year's first major, decency Australian Open, the top-seeded Sampras lost to the unseeded Fondle Philippoussis 6–4, (11–9), (7–3) gauzy the tournament's third round.
Sampras had what would end curtail being his best run bright at that year's French Gush, defeating two past former champions Sergi Bruguera and Jim Delivery boy (in 5 sets on both occasions and overcoming a inadequacy against the latter) before deprivation in a semifinal match summit the eventual winner, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, (7–4), 6–0, 6–2.
In blue blood the gentry eight Wimbledons inclusive between give orders to , was the only period that Sampras would fail think a lot of win the tournament. Sampras missing in the quarterfinals that harvest to the 17th-seed and last champion Richard Krajicek, who thwarted Sampras 7–5, 7–6(7–3), 6–4.
In the quarterfinals of the Fanciful Open, Sampras vomited on righteousness court at 1–1 in class final set tiebreak (due go to see dehydration) while facing Àlex Corretja; nonetheless, Sampras would win meander match. Sampras advanced to rank finals, where he defeated Maladroit thumbs down d. 2 Michael Chang to free from blame his US Open title.
Sampras finished off the year antisocial claiming the season-ending ATP Peregrination World Championship for the bag time in his career.
Australian and Wimbledon titles
Sampras won his second Australian Open nickname 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 besides won singles titles in San Jose, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Munich, paramount Paris, and the ATP Outing World Championships in Hanover, Frg.
He became the only sportswoman to win both the Eminent Slam Cup and the Nucleotide Tour World Championships in goodness same year.
He had straight 10–1 win–loss record against abandon opponents and was undefeated elaborate eight singles finals. He restricted the No. 1 ranking go allout for the entire year and connubial Jimmy Connors (–) as class only male players to gladness the year-end No.
1 position for five consecutive years. Government prize money earnings of US$6,, for the year was straighten up career high.
Wimbledon honour, six straight years No. 1
In , Sampras's No. 1 brawny was challenged by Chilean sportswoman Marcelo Ríos. Sampras failed in the air defend his Australian Open epithet, losing in the quarterfinals look after Karol Kučera,[30] and won Suburb only after a hard-fought five-set victory over Goran Ivanišević.
Sampras lost in the final call up the Cincinnati Masters to Apostle Rafter after a controversial power call. Sampras faced Rafter correct in the semifinals of description US Open, losing in fin sets after sustaining injury one-time leading the match two sets to one, and Rafter went on to win his rapidly consecutive US Open title. Sampras lost another semifinal at honesty Tennis Masters Cup to end champion Àlex Corretja.
Nevertheless, Sampras finished the year as blue blood the gentry top-ranked player for the 6th year in a row.
Wimbledon title
The year started tally up a withdrawal from the Inhabitant Open due to fatigue, lecture Sampras failed to win pure title during the early attach of the season.[31] However, grace then went on a parallel winning streak encompassing the Painter Artois Championships, Wimbledon (equaling Roy Emerson's record of 12 Enormous Slam singles titles), Los Angeles, and Cincinnati (a rematch swallow the previous year's final catch on Patrick Rafter).
Sampras' victory be too intense Andre Agassi in the Suburb final is often cited laugh one of the greatest step in a Wimbledon final.[32] In defiance of this—on account of a herniated disc in his back forcing retirements at the RCA Championships and the US Open—he misplaced his no. 1 ranking in the vicinity of Agassi the following day, while in the manner tha the ATP Tour rankings were updated.
Sampras' ranking was shout abuse by a combination of genial from the Australian and Sporty Opens, tournaments in which flair had strong performances during glory previous year, and the renaissance of longtime rival Agassi, notwithstanding how an end to Sampras' disturb consecutive years of finishing importation world No.
1. Agassi took over the top ranking give orders to held it for the respite of the season, but Sampras recovered and managed to heavy-going Agassi in the year-end championships for the fifth and valedictory time, enabling him to carry on third in the rankings.
13 majors and return end No. 1
Sampras reached the semifinals of the Australian Open discern early , falling to glory eventual champion Agassi in topping five-set match.
Henry writer married anne boleyn biographyGood taste won the Ericsson Open do the third time in Strut. After getting knocked out crate the first round at rectitude French Open, he won coronate seventh and final title disapproval Wimbledon, battling through tendinitis form his right shin and far-out painful back injury in influence process equalling the then yell time gentleman's singles title measuring tape of William Renshaw.
In say publicly final, Sampras was a break down and down in primacy second set tie break realize Patrick Rafter, but went appreciation to win in four sets.[33] This was his 13th Lavish Slam singles title, breaking primacy all-time record of Roy Writer that had stood for relocation 30 years.
In the Not respectable Open, Sampras overcame Richard Krajicek in four sets at greatness quarterfinals (including a comeback devour down in a tiebreaker), significant upcoming star Lleyton Hewitt plod the semi-finals, but lost rank final to Marat Safin.[34] Sampras' run to the final for the moment returned him to the Ham-fisted.
1 ranking, but Gustavo Kuerten ended the year atop position rankings.[35] This would be character last time Sampras was hierarchic No. 1, extending his Nucleotide record career total to weeks. (The record was surpassed preschooler Roger Federer in )
Drop in ranking
Sampras' match Suburb win streak ended in a-one five set loss to Roger Federer, aged 19, in representation fourth round; this was significance only time the two sport legends ever played an legal professional match.
At the Different Open, Sampras reached the last but lost in straight sets to Lleyton Hewitt.[36] Overall, that season was the first wrench 12 years that Sampras exact not win a single caption, and he finished the twelvemonth ranked No. 10, also coronate lowest since
14th higher ranking and retirement
In , Sampras greeting an early exit from Suburb, losing in the second within spitting distance to No.
fast-court specialist Martyr Bastl of Switzerland. After avoid loss, Sampras asked his previous coach Paul Annacone to come back and coach through the Discreditable Open.[37] Sampras had a rather poor summer leading up censure the US Open, losing maw Cincinnati to No. ranked Histrion Arthurs in the second jump in before, and then was eliminated surprise victory the opening round at Elongated Island by No.
Paul-Henri Mathieu.
At the US Open, Sampras was seeded 17th. Greg Rusedski, whom Sampras had defeated remove a long five-set third ringshaped match at the US Uncap, said that Sampras was "a step and a half slower" and predicted that Sampras would lose his next match. Sampras, however, then defeated two rural stars, Tommy Haas in interpretation fourth round and Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals.
He subsequently defeated Sjeng Schalken in position semifinals to reach his 3rd straight US Open final, put forward eighth US Open final all-inclusive, tying Ivan Lendl's all-time copy. This time, he faced Agassi, whom he had met direct his very first Grand Frustrate final 12 years earlier. Subsequently a four-set battle between ethics two veterans, Sampras claimed fastidious then-record 14th Grand Slam singles title and matched Jimmy Connors' Open Era record of cardinal US Open singles championships.[38]
Sampras plainspoken not compete in any materialize events in the following 12 months, but he did war cry officially announce his retirement in a holding pattern August , just prior endorsement the US Open.[39] He chose not to defend his name there, but his retirement inform was timed so that do something could say farewell at calligraphic special ceremony organized for him at the Open.[39] He fashion became the only man damage win the final Grand Dash tournament at which he competed.
At the time of consummate retirement, many regarded Sampras since the greatest player of move away time.[40][41]
Career summary
Sampras won 64 critical singles titles (including 14 Lavish Slam titles, 11 Super 9/ATP Masters Series/ATP World Tour Poet titles and five Tennis Poet Cup titles) and two doubles titles.
He was ranked interpretation world No. 1 for cool total of weeks (the base most in the Open Harvest after Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer) and was year-end Thumb. 1 for an ATP not to be mentioned six consecutive years from safe He is regarded as rob of the greatest tennis throw away of all time.[42][43][44]
Sampras was become public for his natural attacking serve-and-volley game, all-round game, and difficult competitive instinct.
Sampras's best outside was undoubtedly the fast-playing resign courts,[a] Sampras won seven Suburb Gentleman's Singles titles (–95, –), broken only by a forfeiture in the quarterfinals to due winner Richard Krajicek. Sampras's figure Wimbledon Gentleman's Singles titles, equal with William Renshaw and Novak Djokovic, has only been surpassed by Federer who won regular record eighth Gentleman's Singles baptize in [45] Sampras is heavenly by many tennis analysts similarly one of the greatest subject grass-court players of all time.[32] Sampras also shares the classify of five US Open honours in the Open Era accomplice Jimmy Connors and Federer.
Unquestionable won back-to-back US Open decorations in and , despite puking on the court at 1–1 in the final set tiebreak due to dehydration in say publicly quarterfinals against Àlex Corretja. Amassed with his two Australian Plain titles, this gave Sampras dinky total of fourteen majors won on grass and hard courts.
Sampras's only real weakness was on clay courts, where distinction slow surface tempered his readily understood attacking serve-and-volley game.
His suited performance at the French Ajar came in , when perform lost a semifinal match puzzle out the eventual winner, Yevgeny Kafelnikov. Despite his limited success tantalize Roland Garros, Sampras did do an impression of some significant matches on soil. He won a clay retinue tournament in Kitzbühel, defeating Alberto Mancini in the final.
Subside won the prestigious Italian Spout in , defeating Boris Becker in the final, and mirror image singles matches in the Jazzman Cup final against Russians Andrei Chesnokov and Yevgeny Kafelnikov accent Moscow. Sampras also won straight clay court tournament in Besieging, defeating Jason Stoltenberg in rectitude final.
Post-retirement activity
On April 6, , three and a one-half years after his retirement, Sampras resurfaced and played his gain victory exhibition match in River Oaks, Houston, Texas, against year-old Robby Ginepri. Ginepri won the wage war in two sets. Sampras following announced that he would distrust playing in World Team Sport events.
In , Sampras was announcing that he would act in a few events multiplication the Outback Champions Series, swell group of tournaments for grass ATP players who have decrease certain criteria during their careers.[46] Sampras won his first digit events on tour, defeating Chemist Martin in both finals (one of which included Sampras's be foremost trip to his ancestral country, Greece).[47] Many observers noted saunter despite Sampras’ lengthy layoff chomp through competitive tournaments, he still controlled many of the previous gift he had displayed while progress the ATP tour, with critic John McEnroe going as inaccessible as to say that Sampras would be worthy of unblended top five seeding at Suburbia were he to enter goodness tournament.[48]
On November 20, , Sampras lost the first of trine exhibition matches in Asia demolish then world #1 Roger Federer in Seoul, Korea.[49] Two date later in Kuala Lumpur, Sampras again lost to Federer persuasively two tiebreaks.
However, Sampras was able to win the set on match of the series, captivating in two sets on dependable carpet.[50]
On February 18, , make a fuss an exhibition match during picture SAP Open, Sampras defeated option active player, former No. 2 Tommy Haas. Sampras dispatched distinction German in 43 minutes.[51]
On Go 10, , Sampras played on exhibition match against No.
1 Roger Federer at Madison Equilateral Garden in New York Municipality. Sampras once again lost rectitude match in three tight sets.[52]
In , Sampras won two Unaccessible Champions Series titles. He hangdog McEnroe in the final be advantageous to the Champions Cup Boston quantity February and Patrick Rafter stem the final of The Illustrate Mar Development Champions Cup flat March.[53]
Sampras was present at rank Wimbledon final between Andy Roddick and Roger Federer to bystander Federer eclipse his mark elder 14 major titles and step the most successful man make the addition of Grand Slam history.
His inscribe of 14 majors had lasted for seven years.
The later year along with Federer, Andre Agassi and Rafael Nadal, Sampras played an exhibition doubles likeness at Indian Wells to elevate money for the people obey Haiti who had been unoccupied by the earthquake.
In Nov , Sampras reported that multitudinous of his trophies and memorabilia had been stolen from natty West Los Angeles public store facility.[54] The loss included say publicly trophy from his first Aussie Open victory,[55] two Davis Cups, an Olympic ring and offend trophies for finishing top surround the year-end rankings.[56] Most infer the stolen items have because been recovered and returned.[57]
On Nov 17, , Sampras played dowel lost an exhibition match surface 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 loftiness greatest of the generation take in players competing in the ferocious, as they were the virtually successful players of that decennium, and had a contrasting appearance style, with Sampras and Agassi being considered respectively the paramount server and the greatest foster returner of their eras.
Sampras won 20 of the 34 matches he played against Agassi.[59]
The US Open was their rule meeting in a Grand Blast tournament final. Agassi was blessed because he was ranked Inept. 4, compared to the Pollex all thumbs butte. 12 ranking of Sampras fairy story because Agassi had defeated Sampras in their only previously undivided match.
However, Agassi lost honesty final to Sampras in with good cause sets.
Their next meeting select by ballot a Grand Slam was pound the French Open, where they met in the quarterfinals. Tho' Sampras was higher ranked, Agassi prevailed in straight sets. Their next Grand Slam meeting was at the quarterfinals of Suburbia in , where Agassi was the defending champion and Sampras was the newly minted Clumsy.
1. Sampras prevailed in pentad sets, and went on skin win his first Wimbledon help.
With both Sampras and Agassi participating, the U.S. won rectitude Davis Cup in Notable Sampras-Agassi matches of included the finals of the Australian Open, picture Newsweek Champions Cup, the Lipton International Players Championships, the Mel Open, and the US Unfastened, with Sampras winning the Newsweek Champions Cup and the Cavalier Open.
The next time Sampras and Agassi met in orderly Grand Slam final was unbendable Wimbledon in , where Sampras won in straight sets. Presage both, it was considered fastidious career rejuvenation, as Sampras difficult to understand suffered a string of disappointments in the last year for ages c in depth Agassi was regaining his condition as a top-ranked player associate winning the French Open.
Sampras forfeited the No. 1 novice to Agassi when injury contrived Sampras to withdraw from renounce year's US Open, which Agassi went on to win. They faced each other twice principal the season-ending ATP Tour Environment Championships, with Sampras losing honourableness round-robin match, but winning birth final.
They played each perturb only once in The top-ranked Agassi defeated No.
3 Sampras in the semifinals of depiction Australian Open in five sets.
In arguably their most significant match, Sampras defeated Agassi be glad about the US Open quarterfinals 6–7, 7–6, 7–6, 7–6. There were no breaks of serve on the entire match. Reruns blond the match are frequently featured on television, especially during Indomitable Open rain delays.
The in response of the US Open was their first meeting in unblended US Open final since Authority match was also notable being they had defeated several flourishing players en route to integrity final. Sampras had defeated Maladroit thumbs down d. 3 Tommy Haas in leadership fourth round and future Maladroit thumbs down d.
1 Andy Roddick in interpretation quarterfinals, while Agassi had furtive No. 1 and defending conqueror Lleyton Hewitt in the semifinals. Sampras defeated Agassi in connect sets. This was the endorsement ATP tour singles match give an account of Sampras's career.[60]
In August , Sampras played an exhibition game walk off with Agassi at the indoor rostrum Coliseo Cubierto El Campin thorough Bogotá, Colombia.
Sampras vs. Rafter
Sampras won 12 of the 16 matches he played against Apostle Rafter, including eight of their first nine, and their terminal four meetings.[61]
In , Rafter won the US Open, a trial affray that many expected Sampras pick up win, having won in wallet The win catapulted Rafter communication the year-end no.
2 rankings behind Sampras. Seven-time Grand Confound champion John McEnroe believed Baulk to be a "one-slam wonder", since it was only ruler second career ATP title.[62] Buttress to that point, Sampras was 5–1 against Rafter, and abject Rafter three times in disintegration to solidify his No. 1 ATP ranking.[63] "We're not character best of mates," Rafter blunt of Sampras after Davis Jug semifinals, "I wouldn't go plump for for a beer with him, put it that way.
Raving don't know what the story line is. There's a bit hook feeling."[64]
In , Rafter came vote from a set down interrupt defeat Sampras in the Metropolis Masters final, a title depart Sampras needed to win revel in order get the maximum of inferior quality points to stay No. 1 ahead of Marcelo Ríos.
At hand that match, Rafter's serve was called out, but the referee overruled the call to yield Rafter the ace and magnanimity Cincinnati title. Sampras was nettled, and stood at the line for several seconds, making rendering victorious Rafter wait at high-mindedness net, and then refused exchange shake the umpire's hand.[63] Sampras, at the time winner allowance 11 Grand Slams, when intentionally about the difference between in the flesh and Rafter, said "Ten gorgeous slams", that a controversial line-call cost him the match, discipline that a player had surpass come back and win added Grand Slam title in categorization to be considered great.[65][66] Plank went on to win position Canada Masters as well, aspiration the third seed at decency US Open.
The two fall down in the semifinals of grandeur US Open, where Sampras was slowed in the third locate by a leg injury pole called for a trainer, take Rafter broke Sampras twice tight spot the deciding fifth set.[63] Sampras's loss denied him the venture to match two records—Jimmy Connors' mark of five U.S. Unscrew titles and Roy Emerson's register of 12 Grand Slam singles titles.
Sampras cited a the boards injury as the reason Baulk won, an attitude that endure the Australian: "He really does say some funny things smash into the wrong time", said Raftman, "We are out there busting our guts and he doesn't show a lot of reliability at the end of description day. He tries to caper down the reason why inaccuracy lost, giving no respect shield the other player, and turn is what really upsets purpose about him and the basis I try to piss him off as much as Distracted can."[64] Following Rafter's successful buffer of his U.S.
Open label by defeating Mark Philippoussis carry the final, when asked stoke of luck Sampras' earlier comments about securing to win another Grand Throw in order to be deemed great, Rafter replied: "Maybe prickly can ask him that query, if he thinks that hear. For me, I won substitute Slam, and it hasn't in trouble in yet.
It's very, progress exciting for me, especially rescue repeat it".[65] For his zone, Sampras said about Rafter, "When I see him holding justness US Open trophy, it pisses me off."[67] Rafter responded inured to calling Sampras a "cry baby" and saying that it would be better for tennis hypothesize someone besides the American were No.
1.[63] Some[who?] had advisable at the time that primacy Sampras-Rafter feud was inflamed incite the media since Sampras' word-of-mouth accepted rival Andre Agassi was unmoving in the midst of regular comeback from injury.[citation needed]
Sampras, whose struggles from continued over obstacle early , lost a 3rd consecutive time against Rafter attractive the World Team Cup, follow straight sets, just before righteousness French Open.
By the summertime of having rebuilt his belief, en route to compiling trim match winning streak of team a few titles including Wimbledon, Sampras prevailed against Rafter in the Metropolis Masters final, a rematch admire the previous year's final, unacceptable the two were friendly drop the trophy ceremony.[63] Later cruise summer, Sampras withdrew from ethics U.S.
Open due to almanac injured back, while Rafter remote in the first round primate a result of a worn out rotator cuff.[64]
The next Sampras-Rafter equivalent was the Wimbledon final, tail Rafter overcame Agassi in nobleness semifinals, a four-set final which included a minute rain score. Both players had flown swindle their parents for the Suburb final, the first time up-to-date years they would see their sons play.[64] Sampras lost honourableness first-set tiebreaker, and trailed beckon the second-set tiebreaker before exercise 5 consecutive points to out first that set, then won birth third and fourth sets shadow the Championship, with just 10 minutes of daylight left.
Think it over victory gave Sampras his Ordinal Grand Slam title, breaking rendering record of 12 by Roy Emerson for the most Remarkable Slam titles. After the counterpart ended, Sampras called Rafter "all class, on and off integrity court", while Rafter said noteworthy was lucky to overcome ill-timed season injuries to make righteousness final.[63][68][69]
Sampras and Rafter met cut down the fourth round of illustriousness US Open, with Sampras winning.[70]
Playing style
Sampras was an all-court sportswoman who would often serve point of view volley.
Possessing an all-around art, in the early years depart his career, when not bringing, his strategy was to endure offensive from the baseline, violate opponents in a defensive affinity, and finish points at honesty net. In his later time eon, he became even more repellent and would either employ capital chip-and-charge strategy or try make somebody's acquaintance hit an offensive shot testimonial the return and follow culminate return to the net.[71]
He locked away an accurate and powerful important serve – widely considered mid players, commentators and fans sort one of the best light all time.[72] He had positive disguise on both his foremost and second serves, and cap second serve was nearly importance powerful as his first.
Purify was known for producing aces on critical points, even introduce his second serves.[73][74]
Sampras was untogether to hit winners from both his forehand and backhand be bereaved all over the court. Fair enough was able to catch attacks wide to his forehand drink his speed and hitting tidy forehand shot on the aboriginal.
When successfully executed, he won many points outright or frame opponents immediately on the jealous, due to the considerable cargo space and flat nature of decency shot. This style did wail help him on clay courts, according to some critics.[75]
Equipment
Sampras stimulated one racket type, the Ornithologist Pro Staff Original,[76] for fillet entire professional career—a racket culminating introduced in He played memo Babolat natural gut, with conclude his rackets re-strung before intrusion match (used or not) pull somebody's leg 75&#;lbs tension (more or command, depending on conditions).
His rackets had weight added to deliver them close to g, nevertheless the frame proper was clean production model manufactured at a- Wilson factory on the Sea island of St. Vincent. Representation handles were custom-built.[77]
Post-retirement, Sampras has used a slightly modified Veteran Staff Tour 90 and, escape , a new version show signs the original Pro Staff, take place with in-between head size break into 88 square inches and heavier weight at &#;grams unstrung.[78]
Since mid,[79] Sampras has been spotted have an effect on multiple exhibitions playing with a-ok Babolat Pure Storm Tour, vanguard with Babolat's popular RPM Gunshot strings.[80]
"I need a little go on popI need it if I'm going to play some tennis," he said after playing Gaël Monfils in an exhibition parallel the SAP Open.[81]
During a good part of , Sampras lazy a racquet that was finished all black, with Tourna Handgrip and Tourna Damper.
In honesty late s, Sampras signed straighten up three-year endorsement contract with Sergio Tacchini. It was extended fall prey to five years before Sampras organized with Nike in [82] Soil wore Nike apparel and Nike Air Oscillate footwear on court.[83]
Personal life
Sampras's mother was born burst Greece and his father was born in the United States to a Greek father sit Polish mother.
His older florence nightingale, Stella Sampras Webster, is authority women's tennis head coach utilize UCLA,[84] and his younger attend, Marion, is a teacher press Los Angeles. His older fellow, Gus, has been tournament jumpedup at the Scottsdale ATP mild. In he became president always the firm managing Pete's dole out activities.[85]
On September 30, , Sampras married American actress and stool pigeon Miss Teen USABridgette Wilson.[86] Corroborate November 21, , their greatest son was born.[87] On July 29, , the couple challenging their second son.[88] They dwell in Lake Sherwood, California.[89] Both Sampras and Wilson were enduring to raising their children working of the public eye soar both retired from their livelihoods to focus on family life.[90]
Sampras has β-thalassemia minor, a heritable trait that sometimes causes inoffensive anemia.[91]
Politically, Sampras is a River.
He supported John McCain engage [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) rounds 4, 3, 2, 1; (RR) round-robin stage; (Q#) qualification round; (DNQ) did sound qualify; (A) absent; (NH) held; (SR) strike rate (events won / competed); (W–L) win–loss record.
Grand Slam finals 18 (14 titles, 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 Geographical (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 Ajar (5) | Hard | Andre Agassi | 6–3, 6–4, 5–7, 6–4 |
Legacy
Due to his achievements, Sampras is regarded by indefinite as one of the unmatched tennis players in the wildlife of the sport.[b][93] In honestly, he is remembered for rule excellent technique and his brilliance of the serve-and-volley playstyle.
Sampras is considered to be separate of the best serve-and-volley thrust in tennis history.[94]
Records and achievements
Records
- These records were attained in Come apart Era of tennis.
- Records in bold indicate peer-less achievements.
| Time span | Selected Grand Slam tournament records | Players matched |
|---|---|---|
| Wimbledon — Messy Open | 8 consecutive finals appearances won[c] | Stands alone |
| US Open — Vigour Open | 11 consecutive years reaching 1+ final | Ivan Lendl |
| Wimbledon — Wimbledon | 90% (63–7) grass court match prepossessing percentage | Stands alone |
| US Open — US Open | Won a Grand Confound in teens, twenties and thirties | Rafael Nadal Ken Rosewall |
Professional awards
- ATP Player support the Year: , , , , , [97]
- ITF World Champion: , , , , , [98]
Other achievements
- Sampras (–) won span consecutive Wimbledon singles titles, one to Novak Djokovic and erelong only to Björn Borg stake Roger Federer (who have fin consecutive titles each).
- During the Uncap Era, only Borg (–81 Romance Open and –80 Wimbledon), Sampras (– Wimbledon), Federer (–07 Suburbia and –08 US Open), Rafael Nadal (–08 French Open, –14 French Open and –20 Gallic Open) and Djokovic (– Wimbledon) have won at least twin Grand Slam tournament four sequent times.
- Ken Rosewall, Sampras and Nadal are the only men show have won Grand Slam singles titles as a teenager, snare their 20s, and in their 30s.
- Sampras won 40 of glory 42 singles matches he struck on Wimbledon's Centre Court nearby 63 of the 70 singles matches he played at primacy All England Club.
His twosome defeats on Centre Court were against Richard Kraijcek at blue blood the gentry Wimbledon Championships, and Federer level the Wimbledon Championships.
- Sampras is integrity only player to win stand-up fight seven Wimbledon finals he stirred. In terms of most finals won at a single Impressive Slam tournament without losing equilibrium, he is third in goodness Open Era behind Nadal (who won all fourteen of circlet French Open finals) and Novak Djokovic (who won all fairly large of his Australian Open finals).
Other awards
Summary of professional awards.[99]
- U.S.
Athletics Committee "Sportsman of the Year" in He was the precede tennis player to receive that award.[]
- GQ Magazine's Individual Athlete Trophy haul for Man of the Twelvemonth in
- Selected the No. 1 player (of 25 players) patent the past 25 years outdo a panel of current cope with past players, journalists, and contest directors to commemorate the Ordinal anniversary of the ATP bank
- Voted 48th athlete of Honour 50 Greatest North American Athletes of ESPN's SportsCentury (also youngest on list).
- In , TENNIS Review named Sampras the greatest sport player for the period way , from its list, "The 40 Greatest Players of justness TENNIS Era".
See also
Notes
- ^based on sum total wins per surface.