Until Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic came along, Pete Sampras held the record for the most Grand Slam titles won in history.
In 2000, Sampras surpassed Roy Emerson’s all-time record of 12 when he hoisted his 13th major at the Wimbledon championships.
The American, who ultimately clinched 14 Grand Slams, defeated Patrick Rafter in the final at the All England Club that year to get his hands on the trophy and make history.
It was his seventh Wimbledon title, and one that confirmed, in the eyes of many at the time, that he was the greatest player to ever live.
Following his triumph, Emerson delivered his reaction to being overtaken and had high praise for the US star.
Roy Emerson’s comments about Sampras after losing the record
As reported by the BBC in 2000, the Australian legend said of Sampras’ accomplishment: “He deserves it, he’s been a terrific champion.
“I can’t think of anyone I would rather see break the record. But this one that Sampras has got now is going to last a long time.
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“I don’t think anyone will ever be as dominant as he has been over the past seven to eight years. It’s pretty tough to be on top for that long.
“To win seven Wimbledons, boy, he loves the grass. It’s pretty demoralising when you can’t get a good look at his serve because the ball is coming in at a terrific pace and it’s very hard to pick.
“I expect he will win Wimbledon again, I’m sure he’s odds-on again if he comes back next year.
“He’s got plenty of time to win more Grand Slams and put it out of reach of anyone else.”
Pete Sampras’ results at Grand Slams after winning his 13th major
After he broke Emerson’s record at Wimbledon in 2000, Sampras came close to winning his 14th major at the US Open later that summer.
He reached the final at Flushing Meadows for the sixth time in his career, but lost to Marat Safin in straight sets.
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Sampras’ Grand Slam season in 2001 got off to a rough start, bowing out in the fourth round of the Australian Open and the second round at Roland Garros.
After another fourth-round exit at Wimbledon, Sampras made the final at the US Open once again, but suffered a second consecutive near miss; this time to Lleyton Hewitt.
His final season on the ATP Tour in 2002 was very similar to his 2001 campaign, with early exits in Melbourne, Paris and London.
But then in New York, Sampras secured his 14th and final Grand Slam title after beating longtime rival Andre Agassi in the final, which marked the last match of his career.
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