Famous Tennis Players
Pete Sampras
After his triumph in New York, Sampras picked his way through the draw at the 1994 Australian Open. Surviving tough matches with Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Magnus Gustafsson, he reached the final and beat Todd Martin, who was coached by Tim Gullikson’s twin brother, Tom. Eight more tournament victories came Pete’s way in ’94, including a second Wimbledon title. Foot and hamstring woes slowed Sampras in the second half, but he won frequently enough to hang on to his #1 ranking.
Sampras primary focus during the final months of 1995 was winning the Davis Cup. In September, the U.S. beat Sweden to earn a berth in the final against Russia. On foreign turf 10 weeks later, Sampras played some of the finest tennis of his life. He overcame Andrei Chesnokov and Yevgeny Kafelnikov in singles, and wiped out the Russians in doubles. Sampras took eight titles in 1996 and finished #1 for the fourth year in a row. In the process, Sampras won his fourth U.S. Open.
In 1998, Sampras began to hear footsteps, as youngsters Patrick Rafter and Marcelo Rios were gunning for the # 1 ranking. Sampras won just two tournaments in the season’s first half, raising questions about his ability to fend off this new crop of challengers. Sampras silenced some of his critics when he overcame Goran Ivanisevic in a five-set Wimbledon final, 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (11-9), 6-4, 3-6, and 6-2. The victory was Sampras’ 11th Grand Slam title, drawing him even with Bjorn Borg and his idol, Rod Laver.
Sampras finally slipped from the top of the rankings in 1999. Hampered by a nagging leg injury during the season’s first few months, he missed several important events, including the Australian Open. Back to full health by June, he beat Tim Henman in the final at the Queen’s Club in London, later cruised through the draw at Wimbledon. When Sampras routed Agassi in the final 6-3, 6-4, and 7-5, he tied Roy Emerson for the career record of 12 Grand Slam singles titles.
Going into the ’99 U.S. Open, Sampras was in position to regain the top ranking from Agassi. But a herniated disk sidelined him just before the tournament began, and kept Sampras out of action for more than two months. The two met in the final of the ATP Championships that winter. Although Agassi had the #1 spot nailed down, Sampras wanted to send him a message, he wiped out his old rival in straight sets to end the year on a high note.
It wasn’t until the 2002 U.S. Open, that Higueras’s influence truly became evident. In the best shape of his life, Sampras methodically advanced through the draw. His third-round match against Greg Rusedski went the distance. Though the loser was unimpressed with his opponent, Sampras was building all-important momentum. Part of Sampras’ inspired play was a direct result of the support he received from the fans in New York.
Reports estimate his net worth at over $100 million. Sampras loves golf, and is committed to lowering his handicap. Sampras is also deeply devoted to the Gullikson Foundation, which raises money for research into brain cancer, and quietly contributes to many other charitable organizations.
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