Pete Sampras
Pete Sampras
Petros "Pete" Samprasis a retired American tennis player and former world No. 1 regarded as one of the greatest players in tennis history. He debuted on the professional tour in 1988 and finished his career at the 2002 US Open, which he won, defeating rival Andre Agassi in the final. He was particularly esteemed for his precise serve, earning the nickname "Pistol Pete"...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionTennis Player
Date of Birth12 August 1971
CityPotomac, MD
CountryUnited States of America
I'm staying in shape, working out.
Throughout my career, my mind rarely wandered, and I was never sidetracked by distractions, no matter what I was going through off the court.
I'm not worried about the weekend, I'm worried about Saturday.
With this ranking system, the more you play, the better off you are.
I may be a step slower than I was before reaching 30, but I'm doing all the right things. I guess there are some guys who would take it easy in the latter part of their careers, but I'm stepping it up.
I've always led a pretty simple life, with few extravagances. The money in tennis never drove me.
Winning is about taking your opponent's heart out and squeezing it until all the blood has come out, even the very last drop. There are no prizes for a funny loser.
Media access to us is more regulated than in golf.
Most of the time after the US Open, it is kind of like you are trying to finish strong. But to do it five years and maybe six is something that has never been done before, so it is a huge challenge.
Once the fifth set comes, it's a matter of nerves.
I guess I get my strength from my legs, which are also important in tennis.
I am here for the goal, and the goal is to try to do it again.
I'm maybe not quite as sharp as I used to be.
I still feel like my game is very dangerous. I always will have my serve.