Former world number one reveals what Pete Sampras did that made him ‘uncomfortable’ during matches

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Pete Sampras enjoyed a legendary tennis career, picking up a remarkable 14 Grand Slam titles.

When Sampras retired from tennis in 2003, he did so as the most successful male player in Open Era history.

Winning 14 majors and spending 286 weeks ranked number one in the world, the American star carved out a one-of-a-kind tennis legacy.

During his time at the top, Sampras made life difficult for some of his biggest rivals, including Andre Agassi and Boris Becker.

One former world number one, who often struggled against the 54-year-old, has now revealed what Sampras did that made him so ‘uncomfortable’ when they played each other on the ATP Tour.

Yevgeny Kafelnikov says the ‘unique game’ of Pete Sampras made him uncomfortable

During the latest episode of ‘Hardcourt’, two-time Grand Slam champion Yevgeny Kafelnikov shared his thoughts on Sampras.

“My generation considers [Pete] Sampras as one of, if not the greatest,” he said.

“But if you take the criteria of winning Grand Slams, of course, there are new players, but Sampras himself certainly left his contribution to the history of tennis.”

Kafelnikov then explained why he struggled as much as he did against his American rival.

“His game was unique,” he said.

“Power, serve, forehand, physical attributes, he moved well, that’s why I felt uncomfortable playing him.”

In total, Kafelnikov and Sampras met 13 times on the ATP Tour, at some of the sport’s biggest events.

It was Sampras who had the better of their rivalry, winning their head-to-head 11-2, although the second of those two victories was one of the biggest of Kafelnikov’s career…

Yevgeny Kafelnikov beat Pete Sampras on his way to the 1996 French Open title

Having lost in the Roland Garros semifinals a year earlier, Kafelnikov returned to Paris with a point to prove in 1996.

The number-six seed made a strong start, dropping just the one set en route to the last four.

• 1996 French Open 1R – Yevgeny Kafelnikov defeated Galo Blanco, 6-1, 6-3, 6-3
• 1996 French Open 2R – Yevgeny Kafelnikov defeated Thomas Johansson, 6-2, 7-5, 6-3
• 1996 French Open 3R – Yevgeny Kafelnikov defeated Felix Mantilla, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2
• 1996 French Open 4R – Yevgeny Kafelnikov defeated Francisco Clavet, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3
• 1996 French Open QF – Yevgeny Kafelnikov defeated [13] Richard Krajicek, 6-3, 6-4, 6-7, 6-2

Looking to advance to his maiden Grand Slam final, Kafelnikov met Sampras in the semifinals.

The Russian edged a tight first set in a tiebreaker to lead Sampras 7-6 (7-4) on Court Central.

He then took control of the match, playing some brilliant tennis to dismantle the American, 7-6, 6-0, 6-2.

Competing in his first major final, Kafelnikov beat Germany’s Michael Stich in three close sets, becoming the first player from his country to win a Grand Slam.

Kafelnikov added a second Grand Slam title to his trophy cabinet three years later, defeating Sweden’s Thomas Enqvist in the final of the 1999 Australian Open.

He was, however, unable to win a third, as he lost to Agassi in the 2000 Australian Open final in four sets.

The Russian never returned to a Grand Slam final and played his last professional match at the end of the 2003 season.

He remains the most successful male player in Russian tennis history, with two major titles to his name.