Australian Tennis Magazine
June, 2000
Pete Sampras Speaks From the Heart
Interview: Paul Fein

The defending wimbledon champion looks back on his career and talks to PAUL FEIN
of his philosophy, his relationships, and his attitude to fame
in this wide-ranging, two part interview.

"To be great is to be misunderstood," observed the American poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. Will Pete Sampras, a man of great simplicity and simple greatness, not receive his just historical due because he lacks charisma?

Will his spectacular career somehow suffer from a paradox: he was so dominating that he played few close and memorable finals and too seldom enjoyed a true rivalry? Has he ruled tennis in an image-is- everything era where his classic virtues no longer found the appreciative following of yesteryear?

Sampras, now 28, has never been fully understood and he knows it. "Enjoy what you see now, because I won't be around forever," he reminds people.

In this interview, Sampras speaks about his roots, his relationships, his reign, his records and his rivals with the same honesty, intelligence and passion that animate his championship performances....

PAUL - Last june you said, "Taking the early part of the year off, I had time to reflect. I thought about [Michael] Jordan, [Wayne] Gretzky and [John] Elway retiring after great careers, really helping their games get more popular. And I realised I want to do that." How do you plan to help tennis get more popular?

PETE - Playing Davis Cup will help. With the team that we've put together this year, that can only help the game in the US. People will follow it. I definitely want to be part of Davis Cup more, obviously this year and more years to come.
It's hard in an individual sport to carry the load and do everything. You can't be winning Slams and also be spokesman for everything to do with tennis. But Davis Cup is a way to not only help myself and get motivated for some different situations but also to help make the game more popular in America.

I've also been appearing on some late-night TV shows. That helps people see me in a different light. I think seeing me in something other that tennis clothes is appealing to some people.

PAUL - When you got sick and vomited in your memorable 1996 US Open match against Alex Corretja, John McEnroe called you "a tremendous actor." After your serious hip-flexor injury in the Australian Open semis, US Cup captain McEnroe insinuated you really weren't that injured and added, "I don't think Pete really wanted to make the trip [to play Zimbabwe] in the first place." What are your reaction to McEnroe's comments?

PETE- I'll talk about the more recent ones. To put it mildly, I was disappointed. I was a bit hurt that he questioned my integrity publicly. Obviously, he was panicking a little because of the [weakened] team he had [for the tie in Zimbabwe].

PAUL - Frankly, I thought McEnroe's impugning your motives and integrity was outrageous.

PETE - It was. It was outrageous. And that's why I questioned whether I wanted to be part of the team this year. I rearranged my schedule to play Davis Cup, and here we are two months into it, and all of a sudden, we're not communicating. And that's not good. So I was hurt by it. But we finally spoke to each other, and I'm happy to say I'm going to play. But there were times during that Davis Cup week that I really questioned if I wanted to do it.

PAUL - You, in good faith, had made out your 2000 schedule for four potential Davis Cup weeks. What more sincerity can a person ask for?

PETE - I agree. John has been known to say things off the cuff. I wasn't going to let the situation get out of hand. I wanted to talk about it and not let him question me like that.

PAUL - Would you please tell me all about your new Pete Sampras Classic celebrity golf tournament in March and what inspired it.

PETE - We try to do something every year to help out the Tim and Tom Gullikson Foundation. Tim was a big golf fan, and I couldn't think of a better way to raise money for the foundation than to have a golf tournament.

Now that I'm living back in LA, we put it all together in a couple of months. And we got a number of celebrities, such as Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Wayne Gretsky, Evander Holyfield, Dennis Hopper and Dennis Miller. We had a good turnout so it was fun. (The tournament raised $90,000 for the foundation, which funds support and care programs for brain-tumor patients and their families.)

PAUL - Andre Agassi said that what may ultimately end your domination is not age or injuries but the soft and easy Los Angeles lifestyle. Is he right?

PETE - (Laughter) I kind of laugh about that, to be honest with you. No, because I know what it takes to do well, to practise and train to stay where I want to stay. I won't let anything get in the way of that. I live a very conservative life. Just because you live in LA, everyone thinks you're going to go out and party. That's just not my personality and never will be. But, no, it won't make me soft by any means.

PAUL - Five years ago, some people wanted you to become more flamboyant like Agassi. But, instead, Agassi has become less flamboyant and more single-minded like you. Would you please comment on this interesting evolution.

PETE - Andre was more flamboyant in his earlier years. Now he's more into his tennis. Tennis has become more the priority. And he's definitely playing a lot better. Ever since he returned after the burnout [period of 1996-97], he's playing at a level that will keep him at the top of the game for many, many years. It's been a transformation for him. He's seen the way I do it, my focus. He's always strived to have that. But before, it wasn't always the case.

PAUL - Tennis magazine in America ranked you the 10th-most influential person in tennis, and wrote: "Sampras brought a classical style and temperament back to tennis." What are your reactions to your power rating and what Tennis wrote about you?

PETE - Those [ranking] things are purely opinion. It's flattering but if I was 5 or 10 or 15, it really doesn't do much for me. What they wrote is very telling, though. It's a great statement. There were years when the players who dominated the game were more emotional, to put it mildly.

To say that I brought the classic temperament back may be a slight exaggeration. You've had the Borgs and the Edbergs. But, as far as being an American and being like that, it was probably very refreshing to see -- for the media and possibly the fans.

PAUL - You've noted that the biggest compliment you can ever get is "for a parent to come up to me and say: 'The way you are on the court is good for my kids. You're a great example.'" How important is being a great example or role model to you?

PETE - It's very important. As an older athlete -- I'm not 21 anymore -- so I'm a little more aware of life. I'm aware of what I say and do on the court. How I act out there is going to influence kids. When a parent comes up to me and says you're a great example or a great role model and you're affecting others' lives in a positive way, it makes me feel great.

And they've done that over the years. Fans say that to me all the time in addition to saying they like watching me play. Many times they see athletes who don't come across in the best of ways. So I've always found that a very big compliment.

PAUL- Your career 31-8 record in five set matches speaks for itself. But Agassi said: "I feel like I am stronger and fitter than I've ever been.... and this allows me the luxury of taking a three-out-of-five set match and turning it into a sprint." Are you as fit as you have to be to stay ahead of Andre in your rivalry?

PETE - We are all fit [on the tour]. I feel I can go the distance against anybody if need be. In order to stay on top of this game, you need to be fit. Andre and I play close all the time. He's going to win his fair share, and I'm going to win mine. If it goies to five sets, I'm fit and ready.

PAUL - Of all your records, which ones are you most proud of?

PETE - Winning 12 Slams and being No.1 six years in a row. They go hand in hand. It's hard to understand how hard it was to be No.1 for six straight years unless you went through what I went through. That [record] may mean more to me than anything. Obviously, if you win Slams, you'll get a high ranking. But I was consisten throughout the years to stay at No.1.

PAUL - When you clinched your sixth straight No.1 ranking in late 1998, the pressure had mounted so much that you suffered from exhaustion and lost hair.

PETE - Oh yeah!

PAUL - The record that impresses and amazes me the most is your 12-2 record in Grand Slam finals. And going further, the degree of your domination in those finals, losing a total of only five sets? How in the world have you done that?

PETE - (laughter) I can't explain it. When it comes to the big matches and big moments, I've seemed to shine over the years. Maybe it's experience, maybe it's confidence, or maybe it's both.

Obviously, if you're in the final of a major [tournament], you're playing well and you're confident. And winning majors is what we play for. I guess playing well in those finals is a testament to handling the pressure. No matter how nervous you are going into a Grand Slam final, the guy you're playing is just as nervous and has just as big a fear of losing as I do. It's a one-on-one sport, and I've always prided myself in being able to handle the situation better that my opponent.

PAUL - You confided that during the early 1990s your father doubted whether you had what it takes to become a champion. You clearly proved him wrong.

PETE - The reason he and a lot of people thought that was that here was this very good athlete with good hands and eyes who had the talent but.... In my junior years and when I turned pro, my mental state and my heart were in question. I wasn't even sure how much I wanted to be No. 1.

I had the kind of personality that would have been happy ranked No. 5 in the world and have an easier life. Just one loss changed my career and my whole outlook to the game. And that was that '92 US Open final defeat to [Stefan] Edberg. That changed my career mentally.

PAUL - On the best way for you to win the French open, Emerson, whose record of 12 Grand Slam titles you share, advised: "Pete is too good a player not to win the French. I think he just has to settle in Europe for the clay season, play 'em all." Does Emmo have a point about you simply getting more match-tough and proficient on European clay?

PETE- I've tried that. I've had schedules over the years playing Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome -- the whole thing. And as a result I've gone to the French a little flat. And I've also tried not playing many clay tournaments. I've tried all the different possibilities. The year I did my best [reaching the semis in 1996] was the year I didn't play [clay] at all. But I was running on the emotion of losing Tim [Gullikson, his coach and close fiend].

I've gotten different advice from different people. I've tried everything. This year I'll play a high level of tournaments going into the French. But I don't think I need to play on clay for two months to play well at the French. A lot of guys who play that much are tired by the time they get there. The best way is a combination of being fresh but also being in good match-shape from playing enough matches.

PAUL - Strategically, Patrick McEnroe suggested you serve and volley more on clay. What about that?

PETE - I tried coming in a lot last year, probably too much, chipping and charging and serving and volleying on both serves. One area that I can explore is taking a little off my first serve and getting it in and using my volley. Instead of serving 125 [mph], I can serve 110 and get it in the court [more often]. I may experiment with that in the coming tournaments.

PAUL - You said: "I don't look at myself as a historical icon, but the reality is, yeah, I am playing for history now." By that, do you mean that you want to be remembered as the greatest player in tennis history?

PETE - Well, I don't need it for my ego. I don't need it to feel good about myself. But.... it's something i'll never say. It's up to the people who follow tennis. It's so tough to compare this year to 30 years ago when Rod Laver won the Grand Slam. But I feel like I've got an opportunity over the next few years to break a few records.

And results will always answer the critics about who is the best ever. It's not really for me to tell you that I am or am not. It's not important to hear [that] every day of my life. I want to be the best player I can be. If I can do that, that's good enough for me.

PAUL - But would you like that reputation, that accolade?

PETE - Absolutlely!

PAUL - Do you believe your overall record now justifies "the greatest player in history" label? Or do you need more achievements on your resume?

PETE - The tennis historians and the perfectionists won't consider me the best ever until I win the French Open. But I really think that's unfair. Not to take anything away from Laver or [1938 Grand Slammer Don] Budge, but the competition then wasn't what it is today, especially on clay. You can't compare 30 or 60 years ago with today. But I'm sure people will always say "Until Pete wins the French, I can't consider him the best ever."

PAUL - I disagree with that opinion. I can conceive of scenarios where you win more Grand Slam titles and deserve "greatest ever" status without winning Roland Garros.

PETE - I know. But they're out there. Trust me. The old Aussies will always say Laver is the best ever. Laver worried about four clay court players [at the French]. I have to worry about 50. It's just a different ball game now.
That's why it's hard to compare the game today with 30 years ago. I seem to want to compare my tennis to [Bjorn] Borg-and-after kind of tennis. With the wood raquets 30 years ago, its too hard to tell.

PAUL - You have asserted that two of the most important criteria for measuring greatness are the total number of Grand Slam titles and the number of years ranked No. 1. You have a chance to break Emerson's 12 Slam titles this year, and you have already broken Connors' record of five straight years at No. 1. What other accomplishments and records are you now aiming for?

PETE - The Grand Slam record is the biggest priority of my tennis right now. And obviously the French Open. After those two, there is not much left in the game to do.

PAUL - Talking about the paradox of fame, Patrick Rafter said: "When you haven't got it, you rally want it; when you have it, you really don't want it." Do you agree with Patrick?

PETE - It's not quite so black and white. Fame has its benefits and its drawbacks. Your private life isn't quite as private, and you get recognized a lot. But it's part of what we do. We're making a lot of money, we're travelling around the world, and we're playing a great sport. We shouldn't be complaining about anything.

Being famous takes its toll, but the older you get, the more you accept it. People are just trying to be nice and have some sort of connection with you. I wouldn't have said that when I was 20. I was too naive to be aware of that then. Now I'm 28 and appreciate the people more and appreciate what they say about me. So it's been good.

PAUL - While watching players at the 1996 French Open, French casting director Anita Benoist said: "I'd prefer to work with Pete Sampras, who makes me think of Antonio Banderas." Have you considered a movie career in Hollywood after tennis?

PETE - No. No movie career.

PAUL - Lots of women worldwide really like and admire you. They would also like to know if there is a "significant other" in your life, or if you are playing the field now. What can you tell them?

PETE - Yeak, I have a girlfriend.

PAUL - Is it actress Bridgette Wilson?

PETE - Yeah.

PAUL - What qualities do you want most in your ideal woman?

PETE - (Laughter) Next question.

PAUL - Can we have a couple traits?

PETE - Yeah. Honesty and a closeness to her family.

PAUL - So Bridgette matches up pretty well here?

PETE - Well, I'm with her!

PAUL - What do you think of the ATP's new "Mandatory 13-Best 5" ranking system and the Points Race.

PETE - The Points Race is a race, it's not a ranking. So far, it's been a little confusing. You have so many different No. 1 players. Now everybody starts at zero at the beginning of the year. You really can't consider this a ranking by any means. The new system is also confusing because you have the seeds [at tournaments] and the ATP rankings and the Points Race.

You're never going to have a perfect system. A lot depends on what the media think of it because that's ultimately what gets out to the fans. If it's a confusing system, the fans are going to lose interest. I don't know if it's any better [than the old "Best 14" ranking system] now. May be you can tell me that.

PAUL - The big problem is that the new system still counts only 18 tournaments, which means roughly 25% of the tournaments everyone plays in good faith don't count. For example, you and Agassi have been victimized tremendously over the years by the "Best 14," and the new system is only slightly better in this key respect.

PETE - There are pros and cons to this system. This year I'm not planning on playing all the nine required [Tennis Masters Series] tournaments. So that's going to hurt my chances of being No. 1, I'm at a different stage of my career than I was five or six years ago. I'm not necessarily playing for a ranking. It would be nice to be No.1, but I'm trying to give myself the best schedule and the best chance to do well at the majors. If you do well there, you're going to get a high ranking no matter how many tournaments you play.

PAUL - You're 28 and Agassi and Todd Martin are 29. The US has no men players under age 25 ranked in the top 50. It may be too soon to panic, but why aren't we producing any topnotch young male players. And do you have any recommendations?

PETE - It's definitely a concern for American tennis. Once the top group we have today--myself, Agassi, Martin, Chang, Courier -- stop, it looks thin here. With the American mentality and the media, if you're not ranked 1 or 2, you're just not good enough.

I don't know what going to happen. I haven't seen the young guys like [Andy] Roddick and [Levar] Harper-Griffith. So, if you look at Australia and the countries in Europe and South America, they're going to be dominating the game in 5, 6 years. I don't have the answers. It goes in cycles. Maybe in 15, 20 years we'll have four young Americans who'll achieve what we just did.

PAUL - There are only six (Sampras, Rafter, Krajicek, Rusedski, Henman, Ivanisevic) serve-and-volleyers now in the top 50, and their average age is 27. How concerned are you about this trend? And, isn't tennis more interesting and exciting with a diversity of playing styles?

PETE - it is more interesting when you have contrast in games -- the baseliners and the serve-and-volleyers. That's why Andre and I are a great match-up. That being said, the games has changed in the last 10 years. Guys are staying back. The young Europeans and South Americans grow up on clay. They're not going to be serve-and-volleyers. It's the sign of the times. You don't have a lot of diversity today. The serve-and- volley playing style is pretty much gone.

PAUL - But you've proved that you can have a big forehand with an Eastern grip and stroke. And you've proved that serving and volleying still wins.

PETE - Yeah, I appreciate that. But it's not an easy game to teach. It's not an easy game to play. It's a lot easier for a kid to be a baseliner -- like it was for me before I changed to a one-handed backhand [at age 14] and changed my whole approach. It's much easier to stay back and grind it out. It's a lot simpler game to develop at a young age. The [court] surfaces where you come from have a lot to do with it.

PAUL - Could we end up with two baseliners in the 2005 Wimbledon men's final?

PETE - Sure, it could very well happen.


**Next month, Pete Sampras talks to Paul Fein of his family background, his fear of dogs, the role coach Paul Annacone has played in his career, and of players such as Lleyton Hewitt and Mark Philippoussis.