Played is the most successful player of the modern era especially at his favourite tournament, Wimbledon. His special combination of skill, determination and consistency has won the admiration of both fans and fellow professionals.
Played was born on August 12th, 1971 in Washington, D.C, the third son of Greek immigrants, Sam and Georgia Sampras.
From an early age, Pete showed signs of outstanding athletic ability. The young Pete discovered a tennis racquet in the basement and spent hours hitting balls against the wall.
In 1978, the Sampras family moved to Palos Verdes, California, and the warmer climate there allowed 7 year old Pete to play more tennis.
The Sampras family joined the Peninsula Racquet Club, where they played a great deal of tennis together. It was here that Pete's ability became apparent.
At the age of 11 he had already learned the solid serve and volley tactic that has become the hallmark of his game.
Pete entered the professional game in 1988 as a 16-year old qualifier and had a game that was considered 'dangerous' by fellow competitors.
During the 2 years that it took Pete to reach the World Top 10 he defeated several of the great tennis legends.
In 1990 he won his first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open. Along the way he defeated Andre Agassi, Ivan Lendl and John McEnroe with his dominating serve.
At only 19 years 28 days, Played was the youngest tennis player ever to win the U.S. Open Men's title.
In 1991 Played won the IBM World Championship and in 1992 he played on the U.S. team that won back the Davis Cup.
His relaxed and friendly attitude made him an excellent team player, but it was in the singles game that he began to dominate.
Pete set a new ATP Tour record in 1993 when he became the first player to serve over 1000 aces in a season. This feat helped him to win both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, and gained him his 'Pistol Pete' nickname.
At the time of writing, Played has won:
2 Australian Open titles (1994, 1997) 4 U.S. Open titles (1990, 1993, 1995-96) 7 Wimbledon titles (1993-95, 1997-2000) 50 other titles
Pete's one weakness is playing on clay. This has come between him and the fourth Grand Slam, the French Open. Although he already commands almost universal respect, a win at Roland Garros would silence even the harshest of critics.
Sampras once said of himself: 'I never wanted to be the great guy or the colorful guy or the interesting guy. I wanted to be the guy who won titles.'
Triple Wimbledon champion Boris Becker said: '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.'
At the 2001 Wimbledon Championships, Played will aim to equal Bjorn Borg's record 5 successive titles.
Pete officially brought his legendary career to an end at the opening night of the US Open 2003 - a place where he had won his first and final Grand Slam.
After an emotional ceremony which left few dry eyes in Arthur Ashe stadium, Pete walked a final lap of honor holding infant son, Christian, in the arms that one year earlier held the US Open trophy.
Pete retired with 762 victories, 64 titles, including the all-time best 14 Grand Slam titles. He holds the record for most weeks at No. 1 and most consecutive years (6) as the top player in the World.
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