Pete Sampras made a Grand Slam prediction about Novak Djokovic which has since come true.
The American set a new standard in tennis when he finished his career with 14 Grand Slam titles, more than any other man in the history of tennis.
Many thought the record would stand for decades, but in the two years since Sampras’ retirement, not one but three men have surpassed his tally.
The man who stands above the rest is Novak Djokovic, who Sampras has high hopes for during his career.
Pete Sampras made a Grand Slam prediction about Novak Djokovic back in 2016
Pete Sampras retired after winning his 14th and final Grand Slam title at the 2002 US Open.
But just seven years later, Roger Federer defeated Andy Roddick in five sets to win his 15th major and break Sampras’ record.
Rafael Nadal would surpass Federer’s major tally after winning the 2022 Australian Open and he ended his illustrious career with 22 majors.
But just a year later at the 2023 French Open, Djokovic won his 23rd Grand Slam and pushed the record to 24 after winning the US Open three months later.
Back in 2016, the year that Djokovic completed the set of Grand Slams, Sampras praised Djokovic’s focus and termination, and correctly predicted he could break his major record.
“He is the best in the world. It’s impressive. He is so good. He moves so well. Has the whole package. Mentally, physically he is strong,” Sampras told CNN in 2016.
“You can tell he is completely focused on being the best player in the world and he is dominating at a time where the game is strong. His run the last couple of years has been incredible.
“To beat Roger twice at the US Open and Wimbledon. To beat Rafa at the French Open. Truly he is one of the greats of all time. He has won 11 majors and is only 28.
“If he keeps this up over the next three or four years he could very well pass me and get to 16 or 17, you just never know.”
When did Novak Djokovic surpass Pete Sampras’ Grand Slam tally?
Djokovic equalled Sampras’ Grand Slam tally when he won his 14th major at the 2018 US Open.
Just four months later, Djokovic dominated Nadal in the 2019 Australian Open final to surpass Sampras and win his 15th Grand Slam.
This put Djokovic third in the Grand Slam behind Nadal and Federer, before surpassing them both four years later.
This victory marked Djokovic’s seventh title at Melbourne Park, which meant he broke Federer’s record of six. Since then Djokovic has won three more Australian Open titles.
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