Pete Sampras: Beyond the Ace

Full Name: Petros "Pete" Sampras
Born: August 12, 1971 (Washington, D.C., USA)
Turned Pro: 1988 (Age 16)
Retired: August 25, 2003

Pete Sampras was born on August 12, 1971, in Washington, D.C., to a Greek-American family. He was the third of four children. When he was seven, his family moved to California, where his tennis journey began. At age 9, he discovered a love for the game after finding a tennis racquet in his basement.

His natural coordination and determination quickly set him apart. As a junior, he trained under coach Peter Fischer, who helped transform his game by switching him to a single-handed backhand - an unusual and risky change that paid off.

Pete Sampras turned professional in 1988, at just 16 years old. He started climbing the ranks quickly and stunned the tennis world by winning the US Open in 1990, defeating Andre Agassi in straight sets. At age 19, he became the youngest male champion in US Open history. His game was built around a big first serve, aggressive net play, and a calm, collected personality. These traits earned him the nickname Pistol Pete.

Sampras captured 14 Grand Slam singles titles, a world record until Roger Federer surpassed it in 2009.
Wimbledon: 7 titles
US Open: 5 titles
Australian Open: 2 titles
French Open: 0 titles
French Open was the only major title to elude him - CLAY was not his strongest surface - but he still managed to reach the semifinals in 1996.