Posted on: June 19th, 2004
Tennis Magazine July 2004: Pete Interview (Excerpts)
- petepageMade Man
By: Peter Bodo
Excerpts
What have you learned about yourself since retiring?
I’ve learned that I didn’t play for the limelight. I played to win, played because I enjoyed playing. I don’t miss that part, the stage. I don’t know, what else have I learned about myself? I like a pretty simple life. I like just being home, just being with my family. I love just having some friends, playing some golf, doing normal things. I’ve always enjoyed that, but the fact that I’m not playing anymore just gives me more time to do that.
Do you miss the applause?
You miss the hype, you miss walking out and seeing 20000 people, ready to see this clash. You make a great shot, you get an ovation, that’s great. But even more, I miss [moments like when ] it’s 1:30 for a 2 o’clock final at Wimbledon, and you kind of miss that nervous, you-want-to-throw-up feeling.
How do you want your child to grow up?
I’ve talked about that with Bridgette. We’re in this area of Beverly Hills, which means private school. It’s like 20 grand to get into a private school and there’s a year’s wait. I didn’t grow up that way; I went to public school. I didn’t have a cellphone until I was 28. Christian will grow up very comfortable, but I also want to instill some humility.
People wonder, what’s Pete Sampras doing with himself? Is it a long day for you?
Not really. I’m like, hey, this is work. You’re with your son half a day, feeding him. I mean, men are different that way. I’m with him half an hour, I feed him, I feel like I’ve accomplished something. Then I’ll go play golf, between, say, 10 and 2. Come back, have some food, maybe go to a Laker game, play poker, go see a movie. There’s enough things that I don’t sit home at 2:00 in the afternoon watching TV.
You said before that you wanted to be a better husband; was your career putting a strain on your marriage?
A tennis player is the type of athlete where it really is all about you, your schedule, when to practice, when to leave, when to play the next tournament. You have to be with someone who is selfless. Fortunately, my wife was willing to put her career on hold, travel with me, be all about me. That’s priceless.
Read the complete interview by Tennis Magazine
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