ATP Tour Player of the Century
By Gianni Ciaccia
No 1: Pete Sampras
Perhaps the most impressive thing about Pete Sampras is that he is already legend mid-way through his career. Since turning 'pro in 1988 he has notched up 61 titles, including a record twelve Grand Slams (tied with Roy Emerson) and five ATP Tour World Championships.
His extraordinary Grand Slam career began when he won the US Open in 1990, just after his 19th birthday. He reached the final again in 1992, and won in 1993, 1995 and 1996. He took the Australian Open title twice, in 1994 and 1997, and was runner-up in '95.
Peerless Pete is simply the best
But it is on Wimbledon's grasscourts where Sampras has truly excelled, winning six trophies in seven years -- 1993, '94, '95, '97, '98, and 1999. This is a 20th Century record, surpassing Bjorn Borg's haul of five Wimbledon titles. Sampras broke yet more records by holding the World No.1 ranking longer than anyone else, 276 weeks so far, and also finished World No.1 six years in a row, from 1993-98.
He has represented his country in Davis Cup since 1991, helping the US to two trophies in four finals and recently reconfirmed his commitment to the competition.
Sampras is judged by many to be the ultimate all-court player. He has an almost flawless, classical game, based around a powerful first serve which is backed up by a strong, consistent second serve. His relentless aggression often brings him into the net, where his excellent volleys confound opponents. His single-handed backhand can be hit with slice or topspin (he changed from two hands before turning pro) and is often used to set up his fierce forehand.
All of this combined with outstanding athleticism, beautiful touch and exquisite timing makes him simply one of the most gifted players ever to wield a racket. The man they call "Pistol Pete" has legions of fans worldwide, not least his fellow professionals. His quiet, unassuming oncourt demeanor owes much to watching his idol Rod Laver when he was growing up.
Sampras was born in Washington DC, and began playing tennis at the age of seven. Twenty-one years on, his parents, despite supporting and encouraging him, cannot bear to watch him play as it makes them too nervous.
Off court, Sampras divides his time between Orlando, Florida and Los Angeles and enjoys playing golf and watching his favorite NBA team, the LA Lakers. He is also a Dallas Cowboys fan. Like many of the greatest players in history, Sampras has had to overcome some worthy adversaries during his career so far, most notably Boris Becker, against whom he played some memorable matches. But the rejuvenation of Andre Agassi is recent years has renewed perhaps the greatest rivalry of the nineties.
Yet even Agassi would admit that no-one can match Sampras at his peak. He is peerless. All that remains to be seen now is how many more records he can shatter before his already extraordinary career is over.