Let's do a quick recall of a recent American champion, regarded as one of the greatest players ever - "Pistol" Pete Sampras.
The promising junior was trained at the Jack Kramer Club in southern California, and coached by the legendary Robert Lansdorp.
He broke through in 1990 when he won the U.S. Open at age 19 years and 28 days, the youngest champion ever at Forest Hills.
He went on to build an unrivaled illustrious career over 14 years.
Sampras won a then-record 14 Grand Slam singles titles, including 7 championships at Wimbledon and 5 at the U.S. Open.
He also finished with 64 professional single's titles.
He achieved year-end World No. 1 rank for a record 6 consecutive years, from 1993 to 1998.
And he recorded World No. 1 rank for 286 calendar weeks, second all-time.
Sampras was a world-class all-court player, with an overpowering serve-and-volley game.
His running forehand became one of the most feared weapons in his era.
The Sampras first and second serve were considered perhaps the best of any player ever.
His rivalry with the other great American champion of his era, Andre Agassi, made for some of the greatest matches in history.
And he was known for his quiet and humble demeanor, and as a player who "let his racket do the talking."
Boris Becker was quoted as saying: "For me, [Sampras] was always the most complete player. He has the power. He has the speed. He has the touch. He is the best player ever."
Roger Federer remarked: "He was my childhood idol, and I have always looked up to him."
John McEnroe added: "I put him in the godlike stratosphere . . . "
Best,
Gary
Video: Pete Sampras - Beyond the Glory (Documentary)
By: Bill20291
Time: 41:09
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