The ‘incredible’ skill which Pete Sampras had which even Andre Agassi admitted that he really admired during their playing days

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Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi’s superb rivalry will live long in the memory of many tennis fans, with Indian Wells playing host to two of their exciting battles.

Sampras needed Agassi in his career, with the former having finished their rivalry with a 20-14 head-to-head record over the latter.

Agassi lost his 1995 Indian Wells final with Sampras, having previously lost the 1990 final to Stefan Edberg.

But he was able to lift the trophy in 2001, where Agassi enacted revenge over Sampras in their Indian Wells final.

Sampras was a two-time champion of the tournament at the time, but it was his old nemesis who triumphed 7-6(7-5), 7-5, 6-1.

Andre Agassi praised ‘incredible’ Pete Sampras spirit after 2001 Indian Wells final

It would represent the only Indian Wells success for Agassi, who was asked in his winning press conference to pick out one quality that he most admired about Sampras.

“You know, I don’t know,” he started. “I mean, I don’t know. Just call it like it is. Unless you spend a lot of time with somebody.

READ MORE: How Pete Sampras responded when asked to compare his seven Wimbledon titles to his five US Open titles

“I mean, I still make it a commitment of mine to understand the people closest to me, let alone somebody I don’t really spend a lot of time with away from the courts.

“I think we can all sit back and marvel at the character that it takes to accomplish what he’s accomplished. You know, he’s focused on one thing, and he’s done it great for many years. That’s an incredible spirit.”

Andre Agassi relished ‘wonderful’ feeling after Indian Wells win over Pete Sampras

It was, of course, one of many thrilling clashes between the American pair, who undoubtedly had a mutual respect for one another.

But such camaraderie would have certainly gone out the window when they stepped onto the court to take each other on.

READ MORE: Darren Cahill shares the mistake Andre Agassi used to make when he walked onto the court

Also asked how much of an inspiration and joy it is to take on Sampras, Agassi responded: “It’s incredible. I mean, I’ve been on the other end of it so many times with Pete.

“I’ve got to say, it’s more enjoyable at this stage of my career to play against him and to actually play well and to win in a big match. It just feels wonderful. I feel very proud of the way I’ve played this week, and especially today.”