July, 2007
Samprasfanz members
We fortunate few know how much many of you would love the chance just to see Pete play live or to get his autograph. So how lucky were our group at Newport last weekend, for we experienced that but so much more as well!
There have been media reports of what Pete said in his speech and how emotional he became. But we were able to glance across at his family to see their reactions as he thanked his parents, siblings and coaches for their help and support throughout his career. His speech was mainly about them, not about himself.
This man who had to pause frequently to hold back the tears was the same one whom many mean-spirited people accused of being 'a boring robot' who never showed his feelings! Bridgette was crying and many of we Fanz were tearful too. Paul Annacone, whom Pete had asked to present him, also looked affected at times. Christian and Ryan were very well behaved throughout the long ceremony, which included other inductees before Pete. Ryan started off sitting on his mother's lap but then the two boys ran about a little bit, never making any disruption of the proceedings.
When Pete became choked up you could have heard a pin drop as people respectfully waited for him to compose himself and resume. But after so many pauses he seemed to get a little exasperated with himself and I couldn't stop myself blurting out 'Take your time Pete --- we're here for you.' There were many other shouts from around the stadium, not just our group, of 'We love you Pete'. I wished so much I could have hugged him! And how much must his dear wife have wanted to, as she sat there recalling the difficult times in his career they had been through together.
That speech must have seemed like a 'five setter' to Pete, but eventually he got through it successfully, with his usual class and dignity. He was then helped into the smart dark blue jacket which all ITHF inductees are presented with, was given his framed certificate and with fellow inductee Arantxa Sanchez-Vacario began to walk around the court to receive the cheers and applause from the crowd. You will know from which section the appreciation was the loudest!
But the best was yet to come! Joy will explain how it came about that our group was blessed with a personal meeting with Pete. We could hardly believe our luck and were so excited waiting for him. From our vantage point in an upper room we could watch him and Bridgette with their boys as they walked among the people Pete was introduced to and posed for pictures. At one point he took Ryan in his arms and lovingly ruffled his hair, while Christian stood close by his Daddy's side. What a beautiful picture that made, and also several of him with Bridgette --- lovely as ever in simple white trousers, high heeled shoes, a multi-coloured top and red necklace.
Then suddenly there he was! The man who has meant so much to us for so long came up the stairs and gave us one of his wonderful beaming smiles which light up the whole of his handsome face. After the emotion and tension of his speech he was so relaxed --- so obviously pleased to be meeting with members from his premier fan group who have followed him for so many years, through not only his triumphs but also the disappointments.
No way was this a chore which he felt 'obliged' out of politeness to perform --- everything he said and did showed that he thoroughly enjoyed being with us. Joy had a wonderful photo taken with him and he signed so many programs and other souvenirs. I was afraid Bridgette was busy with the children but then she arrived, smiling and joking and posing for photos. Like Pete, she obviously wanted to be there and enjoyed chatting with us. Joy and many more of us thanked both of them for finding the time to see us --- but they thanked US for all our support over the years!
It was also nice of Paul Annacone to join us. He joked about how Pete hated playing on grass to start with. I was so pleased I got the chance to say to Pete that his achievemdnts were made during an era when there was a great depth of competition in the men's game. Modest though he always is, he didn't disagree with me. He said nothing but nodded his head vigorously!
Bridgette was so deep in conversation that Pete had to call her twice to remind her that they had to be on their way. He seemed quite amused that at first she didn't even hear him! So then he was gone and it was almost as though we had imagined or dreamed it, except that we have the photos and autographs to prove otherwise. None of us could have dared hope that Pete would give us so much time, and in such a relaxed, generous and genuinely happy manner.
He could not have given us more Fanz! Who was it who said that Pete has 'so much heart and leaves it all on the court'? Well not all of it --- he opened it to the public and media on Saturday --- and also to we lucky, lucky Samprasfanz.
Cynthia
I finally got to hear the speeches. From that section where Anna (samprasmom) and I were seated, we could hear nothing but noise & echoes all throughout the ceremony. . So I just spent the whole time watching Ryan and Chris play and their mom running after them while Dad was struggling to fight off tears and finish his speech.
I thought Pete looked nervous as he, the other honorees and their guests made their way into the lawn. No one likes to cry in public and he probably was worried about how he'd go through with it, but hey, the crowd was mostly his avid fans like us; we all understood that he was really a softie at heart if tiger on the court.
As Gus Sampras passed by us, he heard Anna call out his own name and he looked at her, as if trying to remember something. Right after the ceremony, Pete's assistant approached and asked Anna if she was Joy (which of course she wasn't) and if we were members of Samprasfanz. We said we were and pointed at the spot where the rest of the group was.
He told us to not leave our seats and wait for him, that he'd take us and the group to meet Pete. That was when I started to believe it was going to happenc Forget about leaving as soon as the ceremony ends, I was not about to let this once in a lifetime chance to meet the guy I've admired for so long, pass by..
Just like a dream, I don't remember everything that happened in the room. Did Pete really speak to us? I do remember asking Pete to sign his picture on the back of my shirt; That he stayed lomg enough to autographed everything handed to him.,that he posed with everyboby for for pictures.. He was smiling all the time. He was so handsome. Was he balding? Recent pictures seem to say yes, but I didn't notice. If I seemed awestricken, so was Anna. She doesn't remember Pete putting his arm around her shoulder. It must be a dream but I see my shirt and it's there --- Pete's signature.
I heard someone in the room tell him; "Pete, thank you,c. for being you!" I couldn't have said it any better.
The memories Pete had given this fan is enough to last a lifetime. The privilege of sharing moments with him on the day he was honored by the tennis world is priceless. I again thank Samprasfanz for paving the way to make a dream happen....
Ofelia
While Pete was visiting with us on the pavillion at the HOF, I asked him when he first knew that tennis would be his life......knew in his very being. He said that he didn't really remember picking up the racquet at age 7, but by 8 (when he was getting lessons) that was when he actually knew that tennis would be his life. I told him I just was wondering when genius peeked through, and as he walked away to meet others he smiled at me, raised his arm, pointed at the sky and said "when He says so".
I've never connected Pete and faith.........nor have I ever heard him talk about his faith or religion or spirituality......but there it was.
Gloria