WATCH: Pete Sampras Battles Through the Worst of Times Before Completing One of the Greatest Comebacks in Tennis
Follow Us
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, tennis fans have not seen the sport in months. However, they’ve had the chance to be privy to some emotional moments dug from the tennis archives. One such post was by the Australian Open about Pete Sampras’ emotional victory at the 1995 Australian Open.
“I Miss the Pistol” – Roger Federer Reminisces His Wimbledon Match Against Pete Sampras
Heart of a champion 💙 💪 #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/od2pJjyByJ
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) July 28, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Pete Sampras at the 1995 Australian Open
As you can see in the above video, Pete Sampras was playing Jim Courier at the 1995 Australian Open. The American managed to level the match at two sets apiece after losing the first two sets.
In the middle of the fifth set, Pete started crying. His coach Tim Gullikson had suffered a seizure and had to be flown home to the United States for treatment. Clearly, this must have been playing on Sampras’ mind and might have been the reason behind the sudden tears.
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
‘Have Him F**King Walk Out with Rafa’- Andy Roddick Imagines Emotional Scenario That Brings Roger Federer Together with His Beloved Rival
April 24, 2024 12:02 PM EDT
‘Got Them a $92,000 Motor Home’- Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Rick Macci Reveals Lavish Money Spent Based on ‘King’ Richard’s Confidence
February 14, 2023 09:40 PM EST
Mutua Madrid Open: Heart-Broken Taylor Townsend Makes Shattering Admission About Missing Son’s Martial Arts Performance
April 23, 2024 04:07 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
In a moment of compassion, his opponent Jim Courier offered to finish the match the next day, given the emotional turmoil Sampras seemed to be facing. However, Pete overcame his emotions and played an amazing game, eventually winning the match to make it to the semi-finals. He went on the reach the finals of the event where he sadly lost to Andre Agassi.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The American dedicated the event and all future events to Tim Gullikson. He described Gullikson as a good friend and mentor. Unfortunately, Tim was later diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer and passed away in 1996.
Tim’s death must have left a mark on Sampras and imbued him with the desire to be an even better player.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He clearly did achieve this a goal as he went on to win many more Grand Slams after 1995, taking his tally to 14. This was a record at that time but players have now beaten it. Even so, Pete is still regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
Source: Australian Open Twitter
Written by: