Peter “Pete” Sampras (born 12 August 1971), is a former World No. 1 tennis player from the United States. During his 15 year career he won a record 14 Grand Slam men's singles titles in 52 appearances.
The young Sampras discovered a tennis racquet in the basement of his home and spent hours hitting balls against the wall. By the age of 11, he had already learned the solid serve-and-volley tactic that would become the hallmark of his game. He was spotted by Dr Peter Fisher, a pediatrician and tennis enthusiast, who became his mentor for much of his career, overseeing his training and arranging coaches. Fisher was instrumental in converting Sampras's two-handed backhand to a one-handed shot so that Sampras would have a better chance of winning Wimbledon. Fisher was later convicted of child molestation, but Sampras maintained that Fisher’s behaviour towards him was normal and straightforward. Sampras later gave due credit to Fisher for orchestrating his early development as a player.
Sampras turned professional in 1988 at the age of 17. In August 1990, he captured his first Grand Slam title at the US Open. A final with another up-and-coming American player, Andre Agassi. Sampras beat Agassi in straight sets to become the US Open's youngest-ever male singles champion at the age of 19 years and 28 days.
The young Sampras discovered a tennis racquet in the basement of his home and spent hours hitting balls against the wall. By the age of 11, he had already learned the solid serve-and-volley tactic that would become the hallmark of his game. He was spotted by Dr Peter Fisher, a pediatrician and tennis enthusiast, who became his mentor for much of his career, overseeing his training and arranging coaches. Fisher was instrumental in converting Sampras's two-handed backhand to a one-handed shot so that Sampras would have a better chance of winning Wimbledon. Fisher was later convicted of child molestation, but Sampras maintained that Fisher’s behaviour towards him was normal and straightforward. Sampras later gave due credit to Fisher for orchestrating his early development as a player.
Sampras turned professional in 1988 at the age of 17. In August 1990, he captured his first Grand Slam title at the US Open. A final with another up-and-coming American player, Andre Agassi. Sampras beat Agassi in straight sets to become the US Open's youngest-ever male singles champion at the age of 19 years and 28 days.
Career titles: 64
Highest ranking: No. 1 (12 April 1993)
Grand Slam results
Australian Open W (1994, 1997)
French Open SF (1996)
Wimbledon W (1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000)
U.S. Open W (1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2002)
