The two tennis players Pete Sampras respected more than Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe because of their behaviour on court

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Pete Sampras enjoyed a legendary career, with his Grand Slam efforts outdone only by the Big Three.

Sampras sits fourth in the all-time list with 14 titles, with Novak Djokovic (24), Rafael Nadal (22) and Roger Federer (20) leading the way.

The American once topped the pile, with Sampras having been unsure if his 14 Grand Slams would be beaten.

But it was well and truly beaten by three modern-day greats, with Sampras naming Djokovic the greatest player ever back in 2021.

Sampras is, however, level with the Serbian in terms of Wimbledon titles, with their seven behind only Federer’s eight in the Open Era.

Who Pete Sampras respected more than Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe

A Wimbledon icon, Sampras certainly had plenty of greats as motivation for success, with the American having shared insight into such motivations back in 1993.

Reminded in his 1993 US Open press conference of his admiration for Australian duo Rod Laver and Ken Rosewall, he was asked if there were any American players who had inspired him, and if personality was a factor.

READ MORE: Jimmy Connors states what was so similar about Roger Federer’s era of tennis when compared to his and Bjorn Borg’s

Sampras responded: “[Jimmy] Connors and [John] McEnroe obviously, I looked up to them. But the coach that I was working with Pete Fischer really liked the way and liked the way the guys acted, the Australian guys and you know, I try and, like I said, conduct myself in a classy manner.

“That is one thing that they did and so there wasn’t really an American that I really idolised. Sure, I respected McEnroe’s talent and Connors’ intensity, but the Aussies, those guys were great guys.

Why 14-time Grand Slam winner Pete Sampras couldn’t change his attitude

Sampras was then quizzed about projecting himself as a ‘class act’, as well as the idea that the US Open was less exciting without the presence of the likes of Connors and McEnroe.

“Kind of puts me in a tough position,” he replied. “I can’t change my attitude on the court for the fans or for the press.

“I just have to do what I have to do to; win tennis matches and the way I conduct myself is the way it is always going to be.

READ MORE: Why Jimmy Connors once stormed off court and refused to play against John McEnroe during fiery match between the pair

“I was taught and trained at a young age to play and act a certain way. And I am sorry that it wasn’t exciting for you guys to write about.”

Regardless of personality, Sampras will go down as one of the all-time greats, with the American having won 14 of his four Grand Slam finals.

Remarkably, that journey finished just how it started, with Sampras beating rival Andre Agassi to win the US Open.