* in the red - famous quotes
(Sampras, January 99, in an interview to ESPN)
J. Courier def. P. Sampras 6-2, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5)
J. Connors def. P. Haarhuis 46 76(4) 64 62
Pete Sampras said he felt "Like a bag of bricks just came off my shoulders".
Jimmy Connors heard Sampras's words, while waiting to be next on the podium, and when his turn came said: "Do you believe that garbage? Because I don't."
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P. Sampras/A. Foster, 6-1, 6-2, 7-6(6)
An interview with Pete Sampras
Q. Is that [remarks from the court-2 crowed during the match] justifies shouting 'take that you mother-fuckers'?
PETE SAMPRAS: No, I didn't -- I didn't say that.
Q. Well, you were clearly heard by a number of court-side photographers to shout 'Thank you very much. Take that, you mother-fuckers' and you hit the ball high into the crowd.
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, I mean, obviously, they didn't hear what I said.
Q. What did you say, then?
PETE SAMPRAS: I said 'Thank you very much' and 'god bless you', you know, 'see you later (audience laughter). Hasta la vista' and get the hell of the court.
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P. Sampras/J. Courier 7-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3
An interview with Pete Sampras
Q. Did you noticed princess Diana just on the age of her sit, and -- and clapping [inaudible]? Did you noticed that?
PETE SAMPRAS: Maybe, yeah, maybe she has a crush on me (laughs).
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P. SAMPRAS/P. Korda 6-2, 3-6, 6-1
AN INTERVIEW WITH: PETE SAMPRAS
Q. Pete, in the same way that obviously you are dominating on the men's side, you know about what Steffi is doing on the women's side. What do you think it would take to beat Steffi Graf at this time? Might it take playing you?
PETE SAMPRAS: Good question. You are asking me how someone is going to beat Steffi Graf?
Q. Yes.
PETE SAMPRAS: I never thought I'd answer that in a press conference. We are getting desperate; aren't we? I don't know. I really don't care. I mean, I am not really following the women's game. I just know Steffi is winning every match in about 45 minutes, so, I mean how would I play her? I'd attack her backhand. I would hit these high big kickers like Edberg; rush into the net; put a lot of pressure on her; chip and charge.
Q. Is the only shot maybe put her on the Men's Tour; enter on the men's draw?
PETE SAMPRAS: Maybe you should ask her. I mean, obviously with Seles out, I mean she is dominating the game beautifully, so, I mean, I will tell you I will think about it tonight and I will get back to you tomorrow. I will think it over dinner how to beat Steffi.
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An Interview With: ROD LAVER
Q. Are you amused by the personalities -- Pete Sampras didn't have personality, he showed his heart. Now everyone says Andre Agassi and his style can save the U.S. Open. How do you perceive that today?
ROD LAVER: Boring. I think Newcombe and Stolle, we'd all be classic boring tennis players. ... But I think, you grow into fame. You find that like a match that Sampras played yesterday [vs. Yzaga], and I only watched-- because I was on a plane-- but watched the last six, eight games of the match. And, you know, he did, he showed a lot of character. ... people are going to look at him a little differently. ... It is a shame that Pete lost, because I think he's a great asset to the sport. But I think at the same time, he probably showed some marvelous abilities to be resilient out there on the court and not show that he's going to just tank and walk off the court, even though he's exhausted, he's still plucking away.
*****
Q. How does it make you feel when you hear a guy like Sampras who grew up watching McEnroe, Connors, the guys in his own country talking about you and Ken and guys like Roy and John, they're the guys he idolized; how does that make you feel?
ROD LAVER: I'm honored and I'm proud that he feels that way about tennis. ... I think the fact that Pete has molded his game on some of the older players, it's -- you know, it is a thrill for me to feel that -- you know, that he feels that way. And I feel that he -- like he said a few times, he'd like his racket to do the talking, and I think that's admirable. ...
*****
January 14, 2001, Australian Open
An Interview With: ROD LAVER
Q. Last year Sampras finally over took Emerson's record. Now you have won 11 Grand Slams. Have you ever speculated on what you could have done in terms of numbers if you hadn't missed those six years in the pros?
ROD LAVER: No, I don't dwell on any of that. ... I am very, very happy that Pete is the record holder. I think Roy feels the same way. It is good for tennis that Pete has been as long in the game as he has put out playing great tennis. You don't see him play just average matches. He is always playing at his peak.
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P. Sampras/B. Becker 6-7, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2
Boris Becker: "Unfortunately, he owns the Center Court now. I used to own it [Centre Court] a couple
of years ago. Now he owns it."
*****
"What he's done here is something really special. This is a guy who doesn't say anything, never shows his emotions on the court, and maybe that's why he's so good. Over time, perhaps, people will truly appreciate him. Right now everyone talks about Andre Agassi and all the attention he gets. But if there's one role model in tennis, it's Pete Sampras.''
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P. Sampras/J Courier 6-7 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4
Jim Courier: "Pete's a good actor let's put it that way. Some people put up a front that they're tough, Pete tends to put up the front that he's hurting. But he still seems to fire those aces... He's tough, he's really tough, I don't pay much attention to him when he's tired... You play for 3, 31/2 hours and you've got the guy by the neck the whole time and he just keeps firing. I must be missing something. My eyes are deceiving me if he can keep playing at that level looking like's he's looking. I swear I'm not blind... You know he's tired, but it doesn't really matter because he's got a great heart. He really has a very strong heart and he's going to leave it on the court."
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T. ENQVIST/P. Sampras 6-3, 6-3
An interview with: THOMAS ENQVIST
Q. How do you feel?
THOMAS ENQVIST: Unbelievable. To beat Sampras, I don't know how to explain it. I see him as the best player ever, so I am so excited. ...
*****
Q. Why do you think he is the best player ever?
THOMAS ENQVIST: I mean, he has been winning almost everything too, and I think, you know, play standardwise, I think he is the best player. I have been playing a lot of players; I feel when you play him, when he is playing good, that I mean, it is impossible to play better almost.
*****
Q. Beating a No. 1 player, is that a big hurdle in your mind more than anything than anything else?
THOMAS ENQVIST: Yeah, to beat Sampras... I have been feeling he is just too good; he plays too fast; seems like he could raise his level every time I came close... Just to beat him once is unbelievable feeling.
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P. SAMPRAS/A. Corretja 7-6(5), 5-7, 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(7)
An interview with: PAUL ANNACONE
Q. Having seen him finish so many matches under those conditions, what was your reaction or concern while this was going on?
PAUL ANNACONE: Well, I don't know. I mean, I am not really sure there is any word in the dictionary. I mean, you know the guy is just pretty special, and special people can do special things, and with his stoic personality you wouldn't think he would have a flare for the dramatic. Between here and Australia about 18 months ago, I don't really know what to say except that there is certain things you can't teach and some things you just sit back in awe and take part of, take part in, and to me, it is just pretty incredible.
*****
September 5, 1996, US.Open
G. IVANISEVIC/S. Edberg 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(9)
An interview with: STEFAN EDBERG
Q. Do you have any comments on Pete Sampras's performance today?
STEFAN EDBERG: Incredible. That is the word for it. I think everybody was watching it in the locker room. And I have seen Pete in other matches and what he can do under those circumstances. I don't think anybody can do it, you know, it was -- it was just one of these matches, it was just hard to believe what was going on there, and I don't know how he won the match, but it was a fantastic effort.
*****
September 7, 1996, US.Open
S. GRAF/M. Hingis 7-5, 6-3
An interview with: STEFFI GRAF
Q. Did you watch Sampras's match and do you think it was said that if any other one person in tennis could have done that it might have been you, I mean, do you see yourself --
STEFFI GRAF: Thanks.
Q. -- With that kind of mental strength to do that?
STEFFI GRAF: Well, how he pulled through was just basically incredible. I saw it from the fourth set, the end of the fourth set on and he was struggling, it seemed, in the fourth set, so to pull a match through like that, that is, I mean, the tennis wasn't what it was all about out there. So I mean, if you think that I am the other person who can do it, it is an honor to say that.
*****
September 7, 1996
P. SAMPRAS/G. Ivanisevic 6-3, 6-4, 6-7 (9), 6-3
An interview with: PETE SAMPRAS
Q. Could you tell us about your match against Corretja?
PETE SAMPRAS: My stomach was hurting me. I almost had enough. And I never really agreed with playing a tiebreaker in the fifth set, but this is the one time I agree with. I couldn't have played it out, I don't think. Down a matchpoint, he hit forehand down the line, went cross-court; I picked it off. Ironic part was that he really didn't give me a point. Throughout the match he missed some shots, but he was so tough and so tough to control the point. Ironic point, matchpoint he gave it to me, and that is weird.
Q. Can you talk about the second serve ace, please?
PETE SAMPRAS: I didn't want to play the point. I didn't really feel like moving, playing a groundstroke rally, because it was too much and I just went for it and he really stepped over to the left throughout the whole match and, you know, I just hit a great serve.
Q. Were you setting it up with the first one?
PETE SAMPRAS: No, I just wanted to get it -- get it over with.
Q. Was it simply a question of stomach cramps or was it dehydration?
PETE SAMPRAS: It was dehydration. In the third and fourth sets, I was starting to drink a little bit of Pepsi, which wasn't the smartest thing to do. I felt like I needed a kind of caffeine to get me going...
*****
Q. Have you ever felt that bad on the tennis court?
PETE SAMPRAS: No.
Q. Nothing close?
PETE SAMPRAS: Nothing close. I felt -- I just felt my stomach; everything was hurting. I never felt physically that bad.
*****
Q. In terms of matches, where would you put the Corretja match?
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, I think the way I felt that was probably the worst I felt. In Moscow I cramped up against matchpoint against Chesnokov, but Corretja I was done. I was done. If it was a boxing match, I think the ref would have called it. But thank God we are not boxing.
*****
Q. That people thought you wouldn't have heart enough to fight. Was it just a prejudice or really something changing? Was it a wrong opinion?
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, I just think losing to Edberg in the '92 final really hurt me a lot and how important the Majors are and fortunately people don't remember who comes in second and that match woke me up to really, really hate to lose.
*****
Q. Can you remember any sporting event that you looked at the way people are looking at your performance against Corretja yesterday?
PETE SAMPRAS: It is hard to say. I don't know. I don't know. You know, I remember the marathon guy trying to make the Olympics was vomiting, qualified for the Olympics. I don't know.
Q. Can you imagine how he might have felt like after a match ball doublefault?
PETE SAMPRAS: Oh, I don't want to think about it.
*****
P. SAMPRAS/M. Chang 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (3)
An interview with: PETE SAMPRAS
Q. Matchpoint, you put your arms in the air and you looked to the sky. What were you thinking at that point, Pete?
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, today is Tim's birthday. He would have been 45 today and I was thinking about him all day today and all during the match and things he told me to do on the court and I still felt his spirit and even though he is not with us, he is still very much in my heart and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for his help and it was nice. ...
*****
Q. Michael was saying that there is always a lucky shot somewhere along the way. He cited Becker's net cord against Rostagno in 1989. Would you put it down to that second serve ace?
PETE SAMPRAS: Yeah, that was against Corretja?
Q. Yeah.
PETE SAMPRAS: Yeah, that was the single shot that I don't know where that came from. I think it came from the man upstairs.
Q. Tim?
PETE SAMPRAS: Tim. Came from Tim. That shot, I will never forget and the reaction of the crowd was awesome. I will never forget those moments when I really could feel the crowd chanting my name Pete and to win, that was awesome. You know, just decided I really didn't want to play the point. I wanted to hit a wide side and it went a lot better than I thought it would.
Q. Understanding that you have been concentrating on winning the title, have you started to get a feel for how intrigued people were with that Corretja match? They are still talking about it.
PETE SAMPRAS: Yeah, I purposely, the day after the match, I didn't come out to the site. I didn't really -- unfortunately for you guys -- didn't want to talk about it because I wanted to prepare for Goran, but, you know, everyone has been talking about it and just with the crowd and the vomiting and all that stuff, I guess it was dramatic (audience laughter).
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Post-Wimbledon interview to CNNSI
Boris Becker: "For me, he was always the most complete player. He has the power, he has the speed, he has the touch. He is the best player ever."
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P. Sampras/T. Muster 6-4, 6-3
AN INTERVIEW WITH PETE SAMPRAS
Q. (Inaudible.) If you got 13 or 14 Grand Slams without the French Open, would that be okay?
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, that's really hard to say. ...
*****
Q. Were you hurt by it [criticism that he isn't flamboyant enough or exciting enough] ?
PETE SAMPRAS: I was crushed. (Laughter). You know, I wasn't hurt, but I was disappointed... But the way things are over there, you need to have a couple tatoos and a couple earrings.
Q. Are you a Dennis Rodman fan?
PETE SAMPRAS: No. I'll bite my tongue on that one.
Q. Do you have charisma? Do you care about charisma? Do you want charisma? What is charisma?
PETE SAMPRAS: You tell me. I don't know. I just think the way I can play on the court and some of shots I'm able to hit, you know, that's what I'm all about. I'm not going to do anything different out there to please the media or whatever, to make your jobs easier. I'll make you guys write about the tennis.
Q. Do you turn down endorsement offers?
PETE SAMPRAS: Uh-huh.
Q. Lots?
PETE SAMPRAS: Yeah.
Q. Some even that fit into your personality? You just don't want to do them?
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, you know, I'm not too into commercials. You know I play so much and I hardly have any time off and the last thing I want to do is spend 15 hours doing a commercial. I don't need the money. I don't need the fame. I can go out and play golf...
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P. Sampras/P. Rafter 6-7, 6-1, 6-1, 6-4
PETE SAMPRAS: "He knew coming into the weekend that he was a bit of a marked man. He is someone that wins a Slam, and you want a piece of that."
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P. SAMPRAS/P. Rafter 6-2, 6-4, 7-5
An interview with: PETE SAMPRAS
Q. Are you going to allow yourself a beer tonight?
PETE SAMPRAS: One beer, I think I'd be smashed. You know, we'll see. I'm really interested in this Ryder Cup. It's getting close as we speak.
Q. We won.
PETE SAMPRAS: You guys won?
Q. Yes.
PETE SAMPRAS: It's 13-10. I just lost my bet to Henman. I can afford to buy him dinner now.
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P. Sampras/T. Enqvist 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(3)
An interview with Pete Sampras
Q. Pete, everybody is talking about what's wrong with you this year, and we talked to Krajicek the other day and, you know, he gave us, I guess, kind of what amounted to a lecture about Pete Sampras. One of the things he mentioned I want to ask you about, he said that he kind of considered you right now like maybe the tenth ranked player in the world, I guess. Do you consider yourself like that, number 10 in the world right now, based on this year?
PETE SAMPRAS: That stuff really doesn't phase me. I know my capabilities... That's right, the year has been a little bit up and down...
*****
June 30, 1998, Wimbledon
P. Sampras/S. Grosjean 6-3, 6-4, 6-4
An interview with Pete Sampras
Q. Hey, not bad for number 10. That was pretty good.
PETE SAMPRAS: Yes, maybe I'll make it one day.
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P. SAMPRAS/ M. Larsson 7-5, 2-6, 6-1
An interview with: MAGNUS LARSSON
Q. You're the only one that broke his serve all week. What's the key to doing that?
MAGNUS LARSSON: Be lucky, guess the corner, close your eyes and hope there's a God, you know. Have to be a little religious to break his serve. ...
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P. RAFTER/P. Sampras 1-6, 7-6, 6-4 after the umpire (Lars Graff) overruled an out call to Rafter's serve at match-point
An interview with: PETE SAMPRAS
Q. Was it out, Pete?
PETE SAMPRAS: Which one?
Q. Last one.
PETE SAMPRAS: What can you do at this point? Some tough calls. I felt I just got unlucky today, you know. Plain and simple, I had my chances. But it's tough to get overruled on a match point like that, very surprising. I think he made a bad decision. But it's over with now, nothing really much I can do about it.
*****
Q. We asked Patrick yesterday what he felt maybe the difference was between you at No. 2 and him at No. 3. What do you think the difference or gap is between you two?
PETE SAMPRAS: Ten Grand Slams. As far as our games -- I was being a smart-ass there (laughter). You know, playing Patrick is a little bit like playing Edberg a little bit. ...
*****
Q. Do you think McEnroe would have let him out of the chair at the end?
PETE SAMPRAS: You would have had to call the ambulance.
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L. DAVENPORT/M. Hingis 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
An interview with: LINDSAY DAVENPORT
Q. (Inaudible.) Peoples always talk it is easier when you are chasing No. 1 than when you are (inaudible) is there anything to (Inaudible.)--
LINDSAY DAVENPORT: I mean, I think it is harder to be 1. What Pete Sampras has done for the last six years is probably the hardest thing a player ever has to do. ...
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P. SAMPRAS/P. Goldstein 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-3, 6-3
An interview with: PETE SAMPRAS
Q. Did you request the ATP Tour not allows Lars Graff [the umpire in the Rafter match at Cincinnati,
and also in the Kucera match at Australia, the same year - 1998] to do any more of your matches?
PETE SAMPRAS: No, I didn't request it. But I certainly made my point on the court. We just haven't hit it off,
you know, we have -- he is -- just bad karma. He probably won't be doing many of my matches in the future.
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P. SAMPRAS/K. Kucera 6-3, 7-5, 6-4
An interview with: PETE SAMPRAS
Q. Have you got to know him [Patrick Rafter] a lot?
PETE SAMPRAS: Just a little bit. Patrick is a solid guy. ...
Q. He was in talking to us earlier. He said the ball was definitely in [refering to Cincinnati].
PETE SAMPRAS: He did, did he?
Q. Yes.
PETE SAMPRAS: He's smoking something that isn't legal. No.
Q. That leaping overhead, was that part of the strategy of using your athleticism more?
PETE SAMPRAS: It's just kind of a shot I have fun with... For a white guy, I can jump pretty well.
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P. RAFTER/P. Sampras 6-7, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3
An interview with: PETE SAMPRAS
Q. Are there times like this when No. 12 and 13 look even further away than ever?
PETE SAMPRAS: That's a ridiculous question.
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A. AGASSI/C. Pioline 6-0, 6-0
An interview with: ANDRE AGASSI
Q. I have two questions. First, for your opinion, who are the best five players of all time till now? The second, in which direction do you think the game will proceed in the near future, in the technical strategy or maybe in improvement physically?
ANDRE AGASSI: Best five players, I'd have to say Sampras, Sampras, Sampras, Sampras, Sampras. I mean, that's a tough call. It's not like there's time. It's not like there's a measuring stick...
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C. MOYA/Y. Kafelnikov 7-5, 7-5
An interview with: Yevgeny Kafelnikov
Q. Can you tell us your feeling about performance of Pete who is No. 1 sixth year in a row?
YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: No comment. You know, he just shows on the court. You know, I cannot say anything more about it. He is No. 1. He's the best. That's it.
Q. Did you realize what it is to be No. 1 six year in a row?
YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: No question, it's the biggest achievement. I don't know who would be the next guy who would break his record. Maybe it never happen. You know, he definitely, you know, best player ever which has played in this wonderful game.
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C. MOYA/Y. Kafelnikov 7-5, 7-5
An interview with: Carlos Moya
Q. What do you think of Sampras' performance to be six years in a row No. 1? Does he inspire you?
CARLOS MOYA: Well, I think it's amazing, no, to be up there six years in a row. The way he's been playing here, he's just unbeatable. I hope if I'm in final, I hope he's not going -- I hope I'm not going to meet him or he's going to go down a little bit, otherwise is difficult to play him. I have to care about my next opponent, which is Henman. What I can say is that he's proved he's the best player ever, Sampras, and he's playing amazing.
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A. Medvedev/ P. Sampras 7-5, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3
Andrei Medvedev: "I think he is the greatest player on earth that's ever picked up a tennis racket. But I don't think he played his best tennis today,"
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P. Sampras/A. Agassi 6-3, 6-4, 7-5
Andre Agassi: "... If he didn't hit an ace on the first serve, he was hitting his second serve 109, 111, sometimes 119 or 122 mph. I mean, he hit one serve the whole match that was 100 mph. He's taking chances out there, and people think he's walking on water until he starts missing a few of those. But he didn't. So he walked on water today."
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USA vs Australia 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3
An interview with: THE UNITED STATES
Q. What was it like playing with this guy the first time?
ALEX O'BRIEN: Well, it is a thrill to get a chance to play with probably the greatest player to ever play the game... He can step it up a level and the level that he steps it up to is amazing when he really decides he want to go out there and take over a match and it is was a lot of fun being on the court with him.
Q. Pete, one of your serves was clocked at 149. Couple of us laughed; said, could that be right?
PETE SAMPRAS: It was right, trust me, it was right (laughter).
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P. Rafer def. T. Martin 4-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4
An interview with: TODD MARTIN
Q. At the end of the match Pete came over to you, what did he say?
TODD MARTIN: He just said that he was pleased to see that I competed so hard and was very impressed and proud of me.
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P. SAMPRAS/ P. Rafter 7-6 (7), 6-3
An interview with: PETE SAMPRAS
Q. Been a long time since you've won a Super 9.
PETE SAMPRAS: (Laughs.) Good questions, George. Is that the best you can come up with? But you're right. It has been a while. ...
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S. WILLIAMS/K. Po 6-1, 6-0
AN INTERVIEW WITH: SERENA WILLIAMS
Q. How do you feel about Pete withdrawing?
SERENA WILLIAMS: I was definitely disappointed when I heard... And to be quite honest, my heart missed a beat when I heard he pulled out. I was very, very disappointed.
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T. Haas/P. Sampras 7-5, 6-2
Tommy Haas: "I'm so happy I can say I've finally beat Pete," Haas said. "For me, he is the greatest player of all time."
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P. SAMPRAS/A. Vinciguerra 5-7, 7-6, 6-4
An interview with: PETE SAMPRAS
Q. At what point did you actually throw up?
PETE SAMPRAS: At 4-3 in the third.
Q. You played your best tennis in the third set.
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, I make it a habit to make sure I throw up (laughter). I'm 2-0 in those matches. It's all a ploy.
Q. Were you feeling fine when you went on the court?
PETE SAMPRAS: Yeah, I felt fine. Just kind of came on in the third set. You know, it wasn't a big deal. It's something that I've become pretty good at, throwing up (laughter).
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WILLIAMS-WILLIAMS/DeSwardt-Navratilova 4-6, 6-2, 6-1
An interview with: MARTINA NAVRATILOVA
Q. What memory or impression will you take away from this Wimbledon?
MARTINA NAVRATILOVA: Don't know... It's been fascinating watching Pete just dig in. You know, he just doesn't want to give up that title. I think any other tournament he would have deef'd and been out of here. Here he is in a commanding position to win it again. ...
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M. Safin/P. Sampras 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (8)
MARAT SAFIN: "I saw him when I was 11 years old. He was like God to me. Now I see his name in all the draws, and it's normal for me."
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P. SAMPRAS/M. Damm 7-6, 7-5, 6-4
An interview with: PETE SAMPRAS
Q. As someone who really appreciates fine serves, when you see Venus Williams serve, what impresses you the most about her serve?
PETE SAMPRAS: I don't think she knows where it's going, to be honest with you. Well, looks like Tiger Woods answering something about Karrie Webb. Her serve, she's a tall girl with a big racquet, throws it up and hits it hard.
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P. SAMPRAS/R. Krajicek 4-6, 7-6, 6-4, 6-2
An interview with: RICHARD KRAJICEK
Q. A lot's been discussed of where Pete fits in among the all-time greats in tennis. You played him many times. You had your way with him most of the time. What are your thoughts on where he ranks among the all-timers, legends of tennis?
RICHARD KRAJICEK: I think he's one of the best. But I think there are different kind of rankings you can look at. Apparently, he's the toughest in playing Grand Slams. I mean, he won 13 out of 15 finals. I think that's an unbelievable record. And then but you've also got guys like Lendl that played even more finals. I think that's also very good. I think there's probably 10, 15 guys who have their own kind of records. I mean, Andre won on all four surfaces and the Olympics. So did Laver. There are different kinds. But I think what's so special about Pete is that he just, yeah, really raises his game on the Slams, especially in the finals.
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October 2000, Issue 48
Interview with Pete Sampras
Q. It seems that the 'F' word in your career has been 'fitness'. Are your critics justified in claiming you aren't always in the best of shape?
After that Corretja match, Tom Tebbutt, a US newspaper reporter, wrote a story claiming I suffered from thalassemia, a low-iron blood condition that afflicts some people of Mediterranean descent. He was spot on. I have it. It sometimes makes me feel lethargic and a little out of it - that hang-dog look is partly because of the condition - especially in any very hot weather. I've been doing about all you can to offset it, which is taking iron pills. Other than trying to build up your iron level, there isn't much else you can do.
I've never admitted it until now because I didn't want my opponents to have that confidence of knowing I was playing with a deficit.
I've also had stomach problems, partly because of the way I internalize things and create stress. I had a small ulcer for about two years before that Corretja match without even knowing it. Playing matches in brutal heat didn't help either of those two conditions.
Apart from that, I don't have the personality to work as hard as, say a Jim Courier. Or the body. Leaner guys are different. I'm built more along the lines of a Stefan Edberg, who wasn't particularly known for his fitness, either. But the issue is always in my mind, and I've tried to do all I need both on the court and in the gym to maximize my game. My current goal is to keep my fitness level high during off weeks and breaks from the tour.
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G. KUERTEN/P. Sampras 6-7, 6-3, 6-4
An interview with: GUSTAVO KUERTEN
Q. Pete has won this tournament five times. He's one of the greatest indoor players ever. Where do you rank this victory in your career for you?
GUSTAVO KUERTEN: The best. For me was special. He's a great player. I really admire him. Here I never expect to beat him in situation like this. So for sure it's top level of happiness, dream and everything for me, you know, it's happen here.
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P. RAFTER/N. Lapentti 7-6, 6-2, 6-2
An Interview With: PATRICK RAFTER
Q. Pete obviously has not been playing his best tennis this year. Do you have a sense he may be more vulnerable this year than he would be in years past?
PATRICK RAFTER: I'm gonna treat the match like he's still the No. 1 player in the world. And he's the guy you don't want to play. Simple as that. He's the No. 1 guy you don't want to play. And that's the way I've always treated Pete and that's the way I'll treat him in the next match - with a lot of respect. I know I'm going to have to play very well. I still think it's interesting to listen to the commentary during his matches. In the first set it was how old he was, how bad his backhand was, how bad all these things were. All of a sudden at the end of the match it was he's the greatest player again, he was a great athlete, and he had a great backhand. It was quite annoying watching listening to the commentary today and them writing him off and being negative about him, which was very frustrating to hear. I know he'd be frustrated with that.
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P. SAMPRAS/M. Safin 6-3, 7-6, 6-3
An interview with: MARAT SAFIN
Q. There are many big servers. The question has been asked many times. What makes Sampras' serve special? He hasn't lost 86 serves in a row. Why is he more difficult than all the others?
MARAT SAFIN: Because, of course, it's Pete Sampras. You see Pete Sampras, of course it's not only serve, you almost start to remember in the match how many Grand Slams he won, how many finals he won, you know. He has also great volley. If you don't return very well, you don't have any chance. So he has a big serve, then you have also Pete Sampras, which is huge. So at the net, he's unbelievable. To pass him, you have to play unbelievable. It's too much pressure, I think. Is not only serve, is pressure all the time. It's mental, of course. He has very good volley. So every time you not returning well, he will put the volley, and the point is over.
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M. Safin/C. Rochus 6-2, 7-6, 6-1
MARAT SAFIN: "I think everybody knows that Pete is the biggest ever. He won 13 grand slams and you have to respect his game..."
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D. HANTUCHOVA/M. Hingis 6-3, 6-4
An interview with: DANIELA HANTUCHOVA
Q. Which ones [best women players] did you appreciate watching the most?
DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: The most, I think -- well, I think Steffi was one of the greatest ...
Q. Any men?
DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Any men? Of course, Pete Sampras. I mean, what he has done, it's unbelievable. I think -- yeah, I think he's just the greatest.
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G. Bastl/P. Sampras 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4
An interview with: PETE SAMPRAS
Q. Were you surprised to be assigned to Court 2 ?
PETE SAMPRAS: Yeah. Wasn't happy about it. You know, much rather have been on one of the Show Courts. But anything can happen out there on any court. But I'd much rather have played him somewhere where I'm a little bit more comfortable. But it's still a tennis court, still the same dimensions. And, you know, I give him credit. But I felt like I was going to come through today.
Q. What was the thing about playing on Court 2 that made it tougher?
PETE SAMPRAS: Just a different atmosphere. Playing on the Stadium or Court 1, so used to playing out there... But with that being said, it's still a match I should come through and win, no matter what court I play on.
*****
Q. Do you think it showed disrespect, some disrespect, to put you out there?
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, let's just put it this way: When I heard it, I wasn't happy about it. I really would much rather have gone on a different court, a Show Court. But listen, that's a scheduling. You just have to play on any court. Having won this thing a few times, I figure they might put me out there. But it's really a moot point right now.
*****
Q. You've always said that no matter what happens in the season, when the grass courts come around, when Wimbledon happens, there's a spirit that comes to you, a fire. Are we going to see you back here, and are we going to see you in the winner's circle again? What's the future for Pete Sampras?
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, the future is flying home. That's the immediate future. But long-distance future, I plan on being back. You know, I'm not going to end my time here with that loss. And so...
*****
Q. What were you reading between the points?
PETE SAMPRAS: Just some notes. Just some thoughts and a letter that I was reading just to keep me positive and, you know, just to -- you get your mind set on what's happening out there. It's nice to have something else to look at, think about. So it was something that I pulled out and read it and made me feel a little better.
Q. Your own notes? Notes you wrote yourself?
PETE SAMPRAS: My wife did.
Q. You used to do that?
PETE SAMPRAS: I've never done that.
Q. As Becker said, "If I go to a Slam, I cannot win it, I will stop." Is that also a moment for you now, or do you think there's still a Slam in you?
PETE SAMPRAS: ... to come up pretty empty here for the first six months is pretty, pretty discouraging. You know, still feel like I can go out there and do it. Not maybe as dominant as I once was, but when it comes to majors, I believe I can win here, the US Open, or the others.
*****
Q. Coaches like Bob Brett say you might have to pay the price now for having improved the game -- not having improved the game while you were still leading from the others. Now that they've caught up, they are in front of you, they are better, because you haven't got that in your game.
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, I still feel like my game is very dangerous, you know. Always will have my serve. You know, players are better today and, you know, like I said, I'm not as intimidating as I was five years ago. ...
*****
Q. Are you worried that this could be the last chance of getting the Wimbledon title?
PETE SAMPRAS: No. No, I'm not. ... And, you know, plan on coming back next year and the years after as long as I feel like I can do it. And this is not the way I'm going to end it here. You know, I want to end it on a high note and so I plan on being back.
Q. Is that what you were kind of saying to yourself as you were sitting there at the end? You took quite a long time, sort of looking at your racquet and twiddling with things. Is that what you were thinking, "I don't want it to end like this?"
PETE SAMPRAS: Yeah, I was thinking that. I don't want it to -- I'm going to be back. There's not a question if I'm going to be back or not back. And I just -- it all happened so quickly from 4-All, a matter of five minutes, boom, I lost the match. You just kind of sit there, you're a little bit numb sitting there. Just kind of I lost. It's not a feeling that I like, not a feeling that I felt, especially here at Wimbledon.
Q. Mentally, how can a great champion like yourself put a great defeat like this behind you, turn it around and have the confidence mentally?
PETE SAMPRAS: ...it just -- it takes time, you know. I mean, time heals... Kind of just have to get through it. You know, the Open is still out there, but it's going to take some time for me to kind of regroup here and look forward to working hard and playing again.
Q. How much do you look at your legacy and think about it in terms of whether it's being diminished by these losses, and how much do you think, "I'm not going to give in to the critics"?
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, I'm not going to give in to the critics. I'm going to stop on my own terms, not on when someone else thinks I should stop. What I've done here and what I've done in the game is always going to stick, no matter what happens over the next couple years. But it's not fun losing. I still believe I have a major in me, you know. ...
Q. How much of your tennis right now is a fight against age as opposed to the guy on the other side of the net?
PETE SAMPRAS: It's a little bit of both. Like I said, guys are a little bit more confident against me. I'm maybe not, you know, quite as sharp as I used to be. And, you know, you lose a little bit of confidence, and it's been showing all year. You know, I'm just going to have to stop here and just kind of reflect a little bit but also not, you know, get too down. I mean, I still want to continue to play. And there is the US Open in another month or so. I just hope I can find it pretty soon.
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P. H. Mathieu/P. Sampras 6-3, 6-7, 6-4
Pete Sampras: "You have to remember who I am and where I'm playing next week. I know I've had a pretty disappointing year, [but] this is the U.S. Open, that's where I shine, and that's where I hope I shine... I'm a little discouraged, but you've got to look at the big picture."
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M. SAFIN/N. Kiefer 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6
An interview with: MARAT SAFIN
Q. Pete Sampras plays his first-round match tomorrow. Do you think we've seen the last of his great days, or you think he can get it back together?
MARAT SAFIN: He's the greatest one. He's the best, the best player of all times. For me, the way he controls tennis for last six years, is amazing. Six years No. 1 in the world, 13 Grand Slams. Just I cannot even talk about him, it's like talking about God, you know? The guy is the best one. He will be the best one. I don't think that there will be another Pete Sampras.
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P. SAMPRAS/G. Rusedski 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-4
An interview with: GREG RUSEDSKI
Q. Do you know how you lost that?
GREG RUSEDSKI: Well, I lost the match; he didn't win the match tonight. ...
Q. Did you feel he was there for the taking?
GREG RUSEDSKI: Yeah, he was. I mean, he's not playing that great. I mean, I don't feel -- I'd be surprised if he wins his next match against Haas. To be honest with you, I'd be very surprised. I think, you know, like I said, I lost the match rather than he won the match. ...
Q. You said you'd be surprised if he won his next match. Is that because of the quick turnaround?
GREG RUSEDSKI: No, nothing to do with the turnaround.
Q. The way he's playing?
GREG RUSEDSKI: I just think the way he's playing, to be honest with you. I don't really see it. If I look at the section, I'd say Haas is playing really well, Roddick is playing really well, Hewitt and Agassi are the four guys I like at this tournament right now. Obviously, I'm extremely disappointed.
Q. Could you break that down and be a little bit more specific. In what ways is Pete not playing that well stroke-wise?
GREG RUSEDSKI: You've just got to look at the returns, for one. A lot of second serves. Guys who return a little bit better will really punish him for that, can really dictate from the back. I just think the movement is not the same and the fitness isn't the same. He's a step and a half slow coming to the net. You can get the ball down. He's just not the same player. I mean, he's a great player from the past. You're used to seeing Pete Sampras, 13 Grand Slam champion. It's not the same player.
Q. The half volley?
GREG RUSEDSKI: If you're one and a half steps slower, you're not in as quick, are you? He's still a good player, no question about it, but he's not the great player. ...
*****
Q. You come from a country that is absolutely in love with a good wager. What are the odds that Pete Sampras will be this year's US Open champion?
GREG RUSEDSKI: I wouldn't put any money on it, let's put it like that. I mean...
*****
September 3, 2002, US.Open
P. SAMPRAS/T. Haas 7-5, 6-4, 6-7, 7-5
An interview with: PETE SAMPRAS
Q. Do you think you're a step and a half slower?
PETE SAMPRAS: Against him [Greg Rusedski], I don't really need to be a step and a half quicker.
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S. WILLIAMS/D. Hantuchova 6-2, 6-2
An interview with: SERENA WILLIAMS
Q. When you were growing up, did you like Agassi more than Sampras?
SERENA WILLIAMS: Who did I like? Never mind (laughter). I liked Boris Becker. I loved Boris Becker. I used to love Pete Sampras for a while. I just thought Pete was just everything.
Q. What about Andre?
SERENA WILLIAMS: Even now I'll support Andre. There was something about Pete, I just don't know why I liked him so much. Maybe it was the way he pumped his fist.
Q. What did Pete do to lose your heart?
SERENA WILLIAMS: Nothing. I still support Pete secretly. Secretly when he wins, I pump my fist in the mirror like him. Nowadays, I support Andre a lot also. I like Andre. I like them both a lot. It's going to be sad to see them go.
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Billie Jean King: "Sure, it's disappointing he didn't win the French Open but you cannot deny he is the best ever... Rod Laver says he is the best ever.... and if he says Pete's the best, then he is the best."
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MONICA SELES lost to Venus Williams 7-5, 6-4
An interview with: Monica Seles
Q. If I could dare ask a question about men's tennis. The four great Americans of our era either have retired or are coming to the end of their years. Of those four, which one do you most identify with or which one do you find most appealing?
MONICA SELES: Well, I grew up, obviously, with Courier and Agassi, so I felt watching that Courier was a little extra special, but the person I really admire most is Pete. His dedication to the game, to go out and get the job done, and stay on top for so long, it's an amazing effort.
Q. What does his performance at the Open mean to you?
MONICA SELES: It was one of those matches that down the line 30 years from now, we'll watch it on ESPN Classics and still be glued to the TV. To come back after everyone wrote him off and after having a bad French Open and Wimbledon, I think it was great to see that.
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Q. Is there a tennis player that impresses you particularly?
I love Pete Sampras, he's been my favourite player since forever. I would really love to inspire myself in his game. I haven't had the chance to meet him inside or outside the court. He won't stay for too long, but who knows? It would be my dream to meet him in a match.
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A. AGASSI/R. Schuettler 6-2, 6-2, 6-1
An interview with: ANDRE AGASSI
Q. I'm asking if you think the players of your generation are better than the ones of today technically?
ANDRE AGASSI: I can tell you in my opinion that Pete is the best player I've ever played against. That's what I can tell you... to talk about the new players is, to me, no different than talking about Laver and all the greats... there's just no way of knowing. But I know what I feel when I'm on the court against players. Pete's the best I've played.
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M. FISH/J. Johansson 6-3, 6-2, 6-4
An interview with: MARDY FISH
Q. What is the one aspect of Pete's game or demeanor that maybe is lost on people that aren't so knowledgeable about tennis but that you really admire and appreciate?
MARDY FISH: You know, I loved watching him. He would always get that one break in a set. I mean, obviously he wouldn't every time. But, you know, you rarely ever saw Pete get like a second break in a set. He just had so much confidence on his serve games to hold serve that, you know, he knew that all he needed was one break. Especially at Wimbledon, all he needed was one break, and he'd pretty much win the set every time. It was amazing to see somebody just with so much confidence. You know, he didn't have a serve that was like Roddick's or Rusedski's. Actually, Rusedski is a bad example. But like Andy's, just blows it by you. He could hit it if he wanted to, but he took a lot of pace off it and he placed it. There's nobody better, ever. I mean, I remember watching him at Saddle Brook when I trained when I was there when I was younger. He trained there. They'd put cones up for the serves. He would knock down the cones in 10 serves. It was amazing.
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An interveiw with PETE SAMPRAS (official retirement)
Q. You always shy away from discussing the situation that a lot of people say arguably you're the best player that ever played the game. Can you kind of put your career in perspective, how you see it now?
PETE SAMPRAS: I will never sit here and say I'm the greatest ever. I just won't. It's up -- it's not up to anyone. I've done what I've done in the game. I've won a number of majors. I think that's really, you know, kind of the answer to everything. It's hard to compare the '90s to the '60s and the '40s. I don't know if there's one best player of all time. I feel like my game will match up against anybody. I played perfect tennis in my mind at times. I really stayed No. 1 for many years, which is tough to do. I feel like when it was a big match, that I was going to come through. But to say I'm the greatest ever, I won't say that. At times I felt like when I was playing out there, I was playing, you know, pretty close to perfect tennis. But it's hard to compare.
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J.M. Gambill/D. Sanchez 7-6, 6-2, 6-2
An interview with: JAN-MICHAEL GAMBILL
Q. Do you have any thoughts on Sampras saying good-bye, then Michael Chang?
JAN-MICHAEL GAMBILL: And Jeff Tarango. He's going to play his last event here. I mean, absolutely. Just like Pete said the other night, he doesn't think -- he's not going to say that he's the best player ever. I'm going to say it, I think he is. You know, it's the loss of a great champion. God, I don't think he could have had a better fairytale career, if you want to put it that way. The guy started, won his first tournament here, ended his career winning the tournament again here. He goes out a champion. I really approve of the way that he did that, for a guy who's one of the best athletes, period, in any sport I feel like. He could go back in and lose and lose and lose. They would say, "Why didn't he retire at The Open?" He came out here, proved everybody wrong, did it. It was a pretty neat thing they put on the other night for him. ...
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An interview with: Jimmy Connors
QQ. You have played from Rosewall to Agassi. Now that Sampras has retired, do you think we can consider him the best ever? What do you think about his rivalry with Andre?
JIMMY CONNORS: Certainly Pete, in his record and performance over the past 10 years or whatever, is outstanding. Especially his Grand Slam performance. 14 Grand Slams. I think that's the most ever. The way he's played and the way he's carried himself is certainly something he should be proud of. ...
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Tim Henman: "Sampras and I practised a lot together and seven out of 10 times we played practice sets I'd beat him. But when it came to big matches there was a gear change in him. On big occasions there's no one more determined than Sampras. He's the heaviest server I've ever played. It's important to differentiate between fast servers and heavy servers. Heavy serves come into you the whole time or they're placed exactly in the wrong spot. Your opponent can serve fast, but if you get a racket to it it's easier to get back than a heavy serve. Especially on Grass. This is what I think marked Sampras out as a great player."
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R. FEDERER/A. Agassi 6-3, 6-0, 6-4
An interview with: ANDRE AGASSI
Q. Could you perhaps talk a little about the quality of this young generation and where you feel perhaps they rank as groups go of the years you've been playing, the strength of players like Roddick, Ferrero, Federer.
ANDRE AGASSI: I don't know what I can really offer there. Really, those are the great discussions in sports, how sports evolve and how players change, what players' strengths are... I can certainly speak to a guy's strengths comparative to somebody else. You know, I think Pete's serve was better than Roger's, but Roger moves better than Pete. Roger is much better off the ground and also better off the return but doesn't quite volley as well. So how do you rate how all that's gonna play out? So it's not easy, but you got to definitely look at him and say, "Okay, you do these things exceptional and you do these things really good." That's a tough package.
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Pete Sampras, in an interview to Steve Flink
"The best tennis I played was when I was older. I wasn't as consistent week in and week out but that match I played against Andre [Agassi] at the 2002 US Open - my last match ever - was the highest level I have ever played... The 2002 US Open Pete would beat the 1994 or 1995 Pete easily."
"Andre brought out the best in me. The bigger the match, the more confident I was..."
"He [Federer] is the one guy that can do everything. Roddick is a great player but Federer is more complete and will win multiple majors I would think."
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An interview with: Brad Gilbert
Q. Why did Sampras own Agassi in the biggest matches?
Andre touched something in Pete that made him go to another level. I personally think Andre is better, but somehow Pete got the better of him in Slam finals. Wish I could change it.
Q. Which player would you pick if you had one match to win as a coach?
I'd say (Bjorn) Borg on red clay, maybe Sampras on grass, maybe Andre on another kind of surface at the Australian Open.
Q. Who are the greatest players ever, male and female?
The greatest man pre-Open (Era), for sure, was Rod Laver. In the open era, from 1973, it's hard to say Sampras with 14 Slams isn't the best. Then it was Steffi Graf before the Williams sisters.
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R. FEDERER/M. Safin 7-6, 6-4, 6-2
An interview with: MARAT SAFIN
Q. Can you compare him [Roger Federer] to Pete Sampras?
MARAT SAFIN: No. It's a little bit different story. Yeah, they have some kind of same things. But I think Federer, he has better -- he a little bit -- I don't want to take anything from Pete. I mean, mentally, he was the strongest player on the tour. He has the biggest serve in the world. He has an unbelievable forehand and very good hands in the volley. But sometimes he was missing a little bit the backhand.
So Roger, he has -- he has everything and a backhand. Probably he doesn't have enough volley like Pete Sampras. But he is really good. I mean, he can volley. It's a little bit different story.
But Pete, as you can see, he won 14 Grand Slams. And he has a really good -- he was really, really tough.
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An interview with James Blake
I never faced Pete (Sampras) in a match. I think from watching, his is the best serve ever. And he is the only guy that I would probably not take the bet that he would so often offer in practice -- he's down love-40, says "10 bucks, I still hold serve." I probably wouldn't even take that against him. So many times he would come back and win. He would just put it on the dime. I also wouldn't take the bets when we were just practicing our serves, he put just a tennis ball can on the other side, and says, "A hundred bucks for who hits more." That's not a safe bet with him.
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L. HEWITT/G. Ivanisevic 6-2, 6-3, 6-4
An interview with: GORAN IVANISEVIC
Q. The single toughest player that you faced over your career and the toughest stroke that you've had to deal with?
GORAN IVANISEVIC: Maybe toughest player I ever play is Pete, you know, because is guy that gives you only one, two chances per match, and if you don't take those chances, you finish. Usually with all these guys, I play lot of matches, but usually you get more chances. With him, two, three if he's generous, you know. I think with him it was the toughest for me to play.
Q. Does he [Federer] have a greater range of talents than Pete? How would you explain?
GORAN IVANISEVIC: Some things he does better than Pete. I mean, on the court he's like magician. Pete was destroying. Pete was serving. Nobody talked ever about Pete's serve. They were only talking about my serve. But when you play Pete, you couldn't touch his serve, you know. Even when you returned, then he hits forehand winner and the point is finish. But Federer, the way he plays, he's back, he comes in. When you look him, you think tennis is very easy sport, but it's not.
Q. How great is your regret for not being No. 1? You were very close several times.
GORAN IVANISEVIC: Yeah, that's maybe only thing I can regret in my career. But to be No. 2 behind Pete Sampras, for me that's biggest honor because he is the best player in the history of tennis. And that year when I was No. 2, he won three Grand Slams, so I didn't have any chance to be No. 1 - only if I shoot him, and I couldn't do that. So was tough. But to be No. 2 against such a guy, that's for me like being No. 1.
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R. FEDERER/L. Hewitt 6-0, 7-6, 6-0
An interview with: LLEYTON HEWITT
Q. Slow hard court, who would you pick, Pete or Roger?
LLEYTON HEWITT: Oh, mate, it's hard to say. You know, we're fortunate that Roger could take, you know, after Pete's left, then Roger comes in. You know, that could help tennis in the big picture... Pete had an awesome serve, you know. It's very hard for anyone to break his serve. Whether Roger could do that at the best, it's hard to say.
Q. Do you feel like anyone today, with him playing like that, could have done much better than you did?
LLEYTON HEWITT: Well, I don't think anyone in the -- anyone in the actual tournament (laughter). I don't know. Maybe. Maybe Pete Sampras, you know. As I said, it's very hard to, you know, obviously with their serve and whatever...
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An interview with Yevgeny Kafelnikov (The Independent)
Kafelnikov: Federer is good on all surfaces, very universal. Maybe his weakness is clay, but he can be successful there too. The best ever? For me, it is hard to think that anyone could be better than Sampras, not even Federer.
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An interview with Andre Agassi
Agassi: Roger has been compared to Pete on many occasions, I've played both on days when I was convinced they were the best in the world. They both bring a phenomenal amount of weaponry to the court, they are a pleasure to watch. Playing against them, I have the best seat in the house - both have the ability also to make me look like a spectator. You have to be at your best. Roger has already taken a step towards accomplishing things that most of us just dream about.
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A. AGASSI/J. Johansson 6-7, 7-6, 7-6, 6-4
An interview with: ANDRE AGASSI
Q. A lot of people compare Sampras and Federer. What is your thought?
ANDRE AGASSI: Well, the difference between them right now is 10 Grand Slams. That's a lot. But Pete was a great champion, and Roger has proven that every day. They have a way of the great champions have a way of making you appreciate what it is they do out there on that court. They have a way of making you feel like if you don't play a perfect match, you're going to lose. They both do that. So that's similar.
But I don't they're both very relaxed on the court as far as how they play the game. They both play it very easily. But I don't feel like their weapons are the same.
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An interview with Juan Carlos Ferrero
In terms of sheer talent, who do you think is a better player: Roger Federer or Pete Sampras? Rishi, Holland
FERRERO: I prefer Sampras. He does everything so easily in the court. Roger does too, but I prefer to watch Sampras..
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A. AGASSI/ R. Ginepri 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3
An interview with: ANDRE AGASSI
Q. Do you know what it takes to beat him? Is it a matter of executing it? Or are you still looking for answers?
ANDRE AGASSI: You hit it in that corner and that corner and that corner and that corner over and over again, and you beat him. But you got to do it.
I mean, listen, there's no weakness to speak of, but it is ?? sports is a function of executing, you know. The guy plays great defense, plays great offense. He has a great hold game and he has a great break game. You play a bad match against Pete, you lose 6?4, 7?5. You play a good match against Pete, you lose 6?4, 7?5. You play a good match against Federer, you lose 6?4, 7?5. You play a bad match against Federer, you lose 1 and 1.
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R. FEDERER/ A. Agassi 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-1
An interview with: ANDRE AGASSI
Q. Do you think Roger is even better than Sampras at his best, and he could maybe break one day the record of Sampras?
ANDRE AGASSI: Pete was great. I mean, no question. But there was a place to get to with Pete, you knew what you had to do. If you do it, it could be on your terms. There's no such place like that with Roger.
I think he's the best I've played against. But I also think the accomplishment of winning that many Slams requires a number of things, including a little bit of luck to make sure you're healthy, nothing goes wrong.
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R. FEDERER/ A. Agassi 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-1
An interview with: ROGER FEDERER
Q. Talking about legends, in 2003 you beat Pete Sampras in Wimbledon. He was an icon at that time.
ROGER FEDERER: 2001.
Q. 2001, okay. He was kind of untouchable there. Now you beat another icon. How do you rate these two matches? Does it mean the same for you?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I was much more nervous going into the Sampras match, obviously. Not only was that the first time I ever played Sampras, it was the only time as well, but also my first time on Centre Court at Wimbledon. Obviously, that is very special.
So it's very different, you know, Wimbledon, US Open, finals, you know, fourth round. So it's hard to compare those two.
But for me, I've always looked much more up to Sampras than to Agassi. Didn't pay that much attention to Agassi, but thank God he was around longer so I got to know him better for his results, for him as a person. Now I enjoy playing as much against him like when I did against Pete.
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Q. You talked about how some of the players you faced and beaten are your idols. Andre is in that category. Was there any point today when you looked across the net and thought, "Maybe I should just let the old man have one"?
ROGER FEDERER: No (smiling). No, that really only happened this one time when I played Sampras. I was warming up and, you know, I looked across the net and I couldn't believe it was Sampras, you know. That's the only time it really happened.
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Q. Could you just take a moment and talk about the one or two qualities you most respected in Pete and the one or two qualities that you most respect in Andre.
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I can only go as far as players, you know. I don't know them good enough personally, so that would be something strange for me to do, you know, to tell them how they are, their character is. I can only tell you how they are on the court.
They both seem very respectful, you know, to the game and to their opponents. Obviously, they have a very different game. I think we see both games, they're very dominant in what they do: Agassi from the baseline, and Pete at the net and with his serve, you know. So they have totally different qualities, but they had similar careers.
For me, Sampras' career is quite extraordinary, you know. So it's hard to compare, you know, one to the other. I think that would be also wrong to do, but I think it's great they had such a fantastic rivalry throughout the years, you know.
Obviously, as soon as Andre goes for me, also it's a pity that he goes because I wish I could play more of him.
*****
Q. Do you feel like the best player in the world?
ROGER FEDERER: Right now, yeah (smiling). But the best player of this generation, yes. But not nowhere close to ever, because, yeah, just look at the records that some guys have. I'm a little kooky (smiling).
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Q. A lot of people, when they first look at your game, just say, "Fantastic, this guy is the ultimate shot maker," and just put you way at the top. Now you're winning title after title, the weeks at No. 1, three Wimbledons, back to back, etc. and now Andre comes in and says you're the best he's ever played. At what point will you just say, "Okay, I'm the best"?
ROGER FEDERER: Hmm... well, he just played me, you know, so I don't know. If it changes if you ask him in five years' time, you know.
Him saying that I'm, let's say, better than Sampras, you know, I'm little surprised, you know. But, you know, he says what he thinks is right, you know. I don't think he would be lying in here.
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An interview with Roger Federer
Federer: Many people take away things from Sampras because he never won the French, saying his career was not complete, which I totally don't agree with. I think he had the best career of any player ever, you know? So to say his career is not complete, that is not fair,'' Federer said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press this week.
"But it still leaves the door open for attacks on him. Because they say he was maybe the best on grass, hard courts and indoor, but not the best on clay. I really don't think it's fair. That's why I really hope one day I can win the French and be one of the elite group who won all four.''.
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Pete Sampras on Roger Federer:
Well, I think when I look at Roger, I mean, I’m a fan. I mean, I’m a fan of how he plays, what he’s about, just the fact that I think he’s a class — I don’t know him personally, but seems like he’s a class guy on and off the court. He’s fun to watch. Just his athletic ability, what he’s able to do on the run. I think he can and will break every tennis record out there.
I just think he’s the only really great player I see playing. I think Nadal is really good, shows — and he’s a great player, but I just think there’s less of him. Today I think Roger is two, three levels above the rest. The fact that he seems like he’s even getting better. You combine all that, I don’t really see anyone threatening the No. 1 ranking. I think he’s just too consistent and too good and has a fear factor in everyone else that I had at times, but I think he has it even more.
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Patrick Rafter on the player he always wanted to avoid:
"For me, it was easy — Pete (Sampras). I just wanted to stay as far away as I could. It was always ugly."
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Carlos Moya on Pete Sampras:
"He was a class apart. Federer and Nadal are good, but not in his league."
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Gustavo Kuerten on Pete Sampras:
Sampras was "much better" than Federer.
"In Formula 1, Schumacher took advantage of Senna's death to conquer his triumphs, just like Federer took advantage of the vacuum left by Sampras to obtain his victories. Both are good players, but I prefer Sampras."
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An interview with Rafael Nadal:
Who would you rate as the better player, Pete Sampras or Roger Federer?
"I think Federer is the more complete player. He has all the shots. Sampras has more Grand Slam titles, but you should not take just the Grand Slam titles into account. Look at the points too. When Federer finishes number one, at the end of the year he has 8300 points, while Sampras had 5000-odd points. According to me, Federer is the better player."
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