We want to hear from you!

Do you have a story to share? An article you want us to publish? Contact us at petepagewriters@hotmail.com and we'll feature it here.

 

Fanzone

Passion for Pete Sampras

I first became interested in Pete during the 1990 US Open. I have to say that tennis for me at that time was not very interesting. I used to be a Borg fan. When he left the game my interest in tennis was just completely passe. But seeing how Pete demolished the top players in the draw, I said this guy looks reallllly good. His serve was the best I've ever seen. His volleys were almost as good as McEnroe's. And he was so cool and controlled. But what got me was his speech, and then I was his fan for life.

I remember looking at this very skinny little kid and then hearing this deep voice.. I couldn't believe that voice was coming out of that skinny body. I think Pete was so shy during that speech and I don't think he even knew what he was saying. I wanted to hug him and tell him it was okay, I knew how he felt

Over the next ten years, I saw and taped as many matches as I could. In all of Pete's interviews I always felt he was an honest and upfront young man. Whenever he won his matches he always complimented the competitor. That's why I don't understand Rafter's complaining about Pete. One of Pete's best matches to me was the final in 1994 Wimbeldon. when he beat Goran Ivanisevic. At that time, Goran was the best server, well, at least second best, next to Pete. And Pete stayed with him and beat him in three straight sets. I don't think Pete was given enough credit from the press for that win. I remember going to the library and getting printouts from different newspapers from all over the world. The British were the worst, And the U.S. was second, in their dismissal of serve volley tennis.

I can go on, but my daughter just told me I'm writing a diary, so I'll end by saying that to me Sampras is the best tennis player in the world, and a gentleman. His demeanor on and off the court is second to none. .

 

 

 

 

 

Back to Fanzone