Before the age of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, there was Pistol Pete. Pete Sampras turned 55 this summer, and his serve-and-volley game still stands as the blueprint for dominating on grass: seven Wimbledon titles in eight years.
He finished six straight seasons as world No. 1 and won 14 Grand Slam singles titles – a record when he retired. Here is the story of one of the greatest servers the game has ever seen. Find more tennis icons in our tennis collection.
Pete Sampras Fact File
| Full name | Petros “Pete” Sampras |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 12 August 1971 (age 55) |
| Place of birth | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Turned pro | 1988 |
| Nationality | American |
| Status | Retired (last match 2002) |
| Grand Slam singles titles | 14 |
| Nickname | Pistol Pete |
Career History
| Grand Slam event | Titles | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| Wimbledon | 7 | 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 |
| US Open | 5 | 1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2002 |
| Australian Open | 2 | 1994, 1997 |
| French Open | 0 | Best: semi-final, 1996 |
| Career | 64 singles titles | 762–222 win-loss |
Figures are men's singles results on the ATP Tour from 1988 to 2002.
A Californian Prodigy
Born in Washington, D.C., to a family of Greek heritage, Sampras moved with his family to Palos Verdes in Southern California in 1978. He started playing at three, developed at the Jack Kramer Club and turned professional in 1988, aged 16.
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The Youngest US Open Champion
His breakthrough was stunning. At the 1990 US Open, aged 19 years and 28 days, he beat Andre Agassi 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 in the final to become the youngest men's champion in the tournament's history.
It was the start of a rivalry with Agassi that would define American tennis for a decade.
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King of Wimbledon
Sampras won his first Wimbledon in 1993, the year he first finished as world No. 1. He would stay year-end No. 1 for six straight seasons, from 1993 to 1998. On grass he was close to unbeatable, winning seven titles in eight years between 1993 and 2000.
His 2000 Wimbledon win brought him a 13th major, breaking Roy Emerson's long-standing men's record.
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The Perfect Farewell
After two years without a major, many thought his time had passed. Then, at the 2002 US Open, Sampras reached the final and beat Agassi once more, 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4. It was his 14th Grand Slam title – and the last match of his career.
Honours
Grand Slam singles (14)
- Wimbledon (7): 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
- US Open (5): 1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2002
- Australian Open (2): 1994, 1997
Other titles
- Year-end championships (5): 1991, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999
- Davis Cup winner with the United States: 1992, 1995
Recognition
- Year-end world No. 1 for six consecutive years (1993–1998)
- 286 weeks as world No. 1
- International Tennis Hall of Fame (2007)
Away From the Court
Since retiring, Sampras has lived quietly in Southern California and makes only rare public appearances. He married actress Bridgette Wilson in 2000, and the couple have two sons.
FAQs
How old is Pete Sampras?
Pete Sampras was born on 12 August 1971, so he is 55.
Where was Pete Sampras born?
He was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Palos Verdes, California.
How tall is Pete Sampras?
He is 6 ft 1 in, or about 185 cm.
How many Grand Slams did Pete Sampras win?
Fourteen: seven Wimbledons, five US Opens and two Australian Opens. He never won the French Open.
How many weeks was Pete Sampras world No. 1?
He spent 286 weeks at No. 1 and finished six straight years, 1993 to 1998, as year-end No. 1.
What was Pete Sampras's last match?
He won the 2002 US Open final against Andre Agassi, then never played another professional match.
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Part of our Player Profiles series. Read next: Roger Federer Career Story and Rafael Nadal Career Story.
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