Quotes by Pete Sampras

About Pete Sampras:

Petros is a retired American tennis player and former world No. 1 widely regarded as one of the greatest in tennis history. He debuted on the professional tour in 1988 and finished his career at the 2002 U.S. Open, which he won, defeating rival Andre Agassi in the final. He was particularly esteemed for his precise serve, earning the nickname "Pistol Pete".
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Andre Agassi was my rival in the '90s, and I think as we got older we sort of transcended the game. He was probably the best player I ever played over my career. There's a list of players that were tough, but Andre, certainly, he was the most unique.

Pete Sampras

When I committed to playing a little tennis in some exhibitions, it was the best thing for me. It got me in shape. It got me out of the house. It got me doing something I love to do.

Pete Sampras

I let my racket do the talking. That's what I am all about, really. I just go out and win tennis matches.

Pete Sampras

For so long people have just taken what I do for granted. It is not easy to do year-in, year-out, to win Grand Slams and be No. 1.

Pete Sampras

Golfers are forever working on mechanics. My tennis swing hasn't changed in 10 years.

Pete Sampras

In tennis, you can make a couple of mistakes and still win. Not in golf. I played three rounds in that Tahoe event, and I was drained. Mentally, not physically.

Pete Sampras

It is nice to walk out on a court to have it packed.

Pete Sampras

You kind of live and die by the serve.

Pete Sampras

I don't know how I do it, I really don't.

Pete Sampras

I loved Wimbledon and what it meant, but the surface felt uncomfortable. I just didn't like it, I was a hard-court guy, a Californian kid.

Pete Sampras

I'm staying in shape, working out.

Pete Sampras

All I cared about in tennis was winning.

Pete Sampras

I could be a jerk and get a lot more publicity, but that's not who I am.

Pete Sampras

I hate to lose, and I do whatever I can to win, and if it is ugly, it is ugly.

Pete Sampras

People know me. I'm not going to produce any cartwheels out there. I'm not going to belong on Comedy Central. I'll always be a tennis player, not a celebrity.

Pete Sampras

If Davis Cup was a little bit less or once every two years, I would be more inclined to play. But the way it is now, it is too much tennis for me.

Pete Sampras

There's always one shot that I can rely on when I'm not hitting the ball that well, is my serve.

Pete Sampras

Where I fall down is my short game. I don't practice enough, and when I have to take a half swing from 50 yards out, that's trouble.

Pete Sampras

When you retire you want to get as far away as possible from the game for a couple of years.

Pete Sampras

I've been into golf, trying to get into the gym to stay somewhat fit. I've got two boys now, they're active kids.

Pete Sampras

Author Bio

  • NamePete Sampras
  • DescriptionUS tennis player
  • BornAugust 12, 1971
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionTennis Player
  • AwardsInternational Tennis Hall Of Fame