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
There is no doubt about how hard it is to stay on top in any sport, but to do it in an individual sport for the majority of your career, it is not easy.
Anything can happen out there on any court.
Media access to us is more regulated than in golf.
The way I hold the club, I've got my hand way over, like I'm driving a motorcycle. My Kawasaki grip.
The future is flying home. That's the immediate future. But long-distance future, I plan on being back. I'm not going to end my time here with that loss.
Tennis obviously isn't as popular as baseball in the States.
Once the fifth set comes, it's a matter of nerves.
I still feel like my game is very dangerous. I always will have my serve.
With this ranking system, the more you play, the better off you are.
As long as I feel like I can win majors and contend, I'll continue to play.
A couple hundred people around, and I'm shaking.
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.
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.