Pete Sampras is a retired American tennis player widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Born on August 12, 1971, in Washington, D.C., Sampras dominated men's tennis during the 1990s with his powerful serve, exceptional volleys, and calm demeanor under pressure. Known as "Pistol Pete" for his fast and accurate serve, he was particularly successful on grass courts, winning a record seven Wimbledon titles between 1993 and 2000, a record that stood until Roger Federer surpassed it.
Sampras turned professional in 1988 at the age of 16 and quickly rose through the ranks. He won his first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open in 1990, becoming the youngest-ever champion at the tournament at the age of 19. Throughout his career, Sampras captured a total of 14 Grand Slam singles titles, a record at the time of his retirement in 2002. His major titles include seven Wimbledon Championships, five U.S. Opens, and two Australian Opens. Despite his success on other surfaces, the French Open title eluded him, leaving it as the only Grand Slam he never won.
Sampras was known for his rivalry with fellow American Andre Agassi, which became one of the most famous rivalries in tennis history. Their contrasting styles—Sampras's powerful serve-and-volley game versus Agassi's baseline play—made for thrilling matches, including several Grand Slam finals.
Off the court, Sampras was known for his modest and introverted personality, in contrast to the flamboyant styles of some of his contemporaries. He retired from professional tennis in 2002 after winning his final match at the U.S. Open, where he defeated Agassi in the final. Sampras's legacy in tennis is marked by his exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and his role in elevating the level of competition during his era. His record of 14 Grand Slam titles stood until 2009, when it was broken by Roger Federer, who often cited Sampras as an inspiration
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