Pete Sampras

Pete Sampras is a retired tennis player widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the sport. Known for his powerful serve, precision volleys, and exceptional athleticism, Sampras dominated the sport during the 1990s. He was a right-handed player with a single-handed backhand and a precise and powerful serve that earned him the nickname "Pistol Pete." His professional career began in 1988 and ended at the 2002 US Open, which he won, defeating rival Andre Agassi in the final.

Sampras was the first man to win 14 Grand Slam singles titles: seven Wimbledon Championships, five US Opens and two Australian Opens. Overall, he won 64 singles titles including seven year-end championships. He first reached world No. 1 in 1993 then held that position for a total of 286 weeks, including a record six consecutive year-end No. 1 rankings from 1993 to 1998. In 1997, he won U.S. Olympic Committee "Sportsman of the Year," the first tennis player to receive this award.

A hallmark of Sampras’ game was his serve-and-volley style, which was complemented by a powerful and accurate serve often dubbed the best in the history of tennis. His athleticism and strategic play made him formidable on all surfaces, though his prowess was most evident on grass and hard courts. Sampras' rivalry with Andre Agassi, characterized by their contrasting playing styles and personalities, captivated tennis fans and elevated the sport's popularity during their era.

In retirement, Sampras has remained an influential figure in tennis. He has participated in exhibition matches, provided commentary, and mentored younger players, sharing his insights and experiences. His contributions to the sport were formally recognized in 2007 when he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.