Pete Sampras once led the way for men’s Grand Slam titles, but Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer had something to say about that.
The Big Three dominated the ATP Tour in the years after Sampras, with Djokovic wanting more Grand Slam success despite sitting atop the all-time list.
Djokovic boasts 24 Grand Slam titles, two ahead of Nadal and four ahead of Federer, with Sampras fourth in the list with 14.
Sampras praised the Big Three back in 2014, with Djokovic now the last man standing after the retirements of Federer and Nadal.
But before they took charge, it was Sampras who was the man to beat on tour, with the American icon having started his Grand Slam success in 1990.
Pete Sampras delighted to overcome ‘adversity’ with 2002 US Open win
He beat rival Andre Agassi at the US Open that year, and fittingly beat his compatriot once more in his last-ever Grand Slam final at the same event in 2002.
Five of his 14 Grand Slam titles arrived at his home Grand Slam, but he enjoyed most success at Wimbledon, with seven titles.
Asked in his 2002 US Open winning press conference to compare the two records, he said: “I think this one might take the cake.
“Just after winning 13, I was kind of trying to figure out my goals from there – was to try to win another major.
“This year, struggling and hearing just I should stop, kind of the negative tone from the press or commentary. To kind of get through it and kind of believe in myself at a very tough time means a lot.
“It means more than anything probably, because adversity, and to be able to get through the adversity feels great.”
Pete Sampras called Andre Agassi ‘very tough to beat’ after 2002 US Open final
Sampras won’t forget his 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 win over Agassi in a hurry, with the success helping clinch a record-extending 14th Grand Slam title.
The American legend, who retired shortly after, demonstrated both his ability and resilience that year, having lost the US Open finals in 2000 and 2001.
READ MORE: The time Novak Djokovic teamed up with Pete Sampras to play doubles against John McEnroe
Former world number one Sampras also tasted Australian Open glory on two occasions, with the French Open the only Grand Slam title he failed to win.
Having also been asked after his 2002 US Open win where that victory stacked up among his 14 Grand Slam titles, he again responded: “This one might take the cake.
“I mean, I never thought anything would surpass what happened at Wimbledon a couple years ago, but the way I’ve been going this year, to kind of come through this and play, you know, the way I did today, it was awesome.
“I peaked at the right time against Andre. You know, had to play five matches in seven days. That was a lot of work.
“Just glad it’s over, you know. I feel really good. Feel like I played extremely well today and I had to against Andre, who’s very tough to beat. It was just a tough second week. It was one of the tougher second weeks, having all the rain delays.
“Having to get through tough matches, playing back-to-back Saturday and Sunday, it was a good effort. One of my better ones.”
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