Pete Sampras, an iconic figure in the world of tennis, carved his name in history as one of the sport’s greatest champions. The American great went on to write down his own history after he won a mouth-watering 14 grand slams. However, as time caught up with him, he faced significant challenges that left him questioning his future in the game. In his biography, Pete Sampras: Greatness Revisited, he opens up about his struggle after a humiliating Wimbledon defeat.

Sampras talks about why it did not go well with his then coach Jose Higueras and how a timely reunion with coach Paul Annacone helped him find the much-needed mental balance in his life.

Paul Annacone reveals how Pete Sampras got in touch with him

After a heartbreaking loss at Wimbledon, Pete Sampras found himself in a difficult situation where he was filled with doubts and uncertainties. Seeking clarity and guidance, he turned to Paul Annacone, who has also coached one of the legends of the game, Roger Federer. Working for the USTA at the time, Annacone had witnessed Sampras’ defeat and sensed the impact it would have had on the player.

In his book, Pete reveals what Paul said to him post his Wimbledon defeat.

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“Okay, here is the thing: you have achieved everything you want to achieve in the game and you have broken all of these records but you are at the stage of your life where you are tired of practice, tired of the travel, and tired of being a star and signing autographs. You have got a great wife and she is totally supportive of you, but when you are tired from all these other things, even as great as you are, you can’t walk on the court and give yourself the best chance to win matches.”

An hour later, Sampras called Annacone back and said, “I am ready. I want you back sitting in my box when I win another major. I want you sitting with Bridgette.” 

In the conversation, Annacone reassured Sampras of his enduring greatness while acknowledging the toll that age and exhaustion had taken on him. Not only this, but Pete also mentioned that he wanted Annacone to be the person who should be sitting next to his wife while he lifts his next trophy. This clearly signifies the confidence that Sampras had in himself and in Annacone.

Read More: ‘My Parents Had Never Seen Me..’- American Tennis Legend Pete Sampras Harks Back to Wife’s Benevolent Gesture to Make Him Feel Extra Special at Wimbledon

His confidence in himself and his coach paid off after he lifted the US Open title after defeating Andre Agassi in a mouth-watering final. With this victory, he silenced all the critics that came his way after his defeat at SW19 and went down to be the greatest.

In the twilight of his illustrious career, Pete Sampras silenced the skeptics and roared back to greatness. He defied the odds, securing another major title and etching his name in tennis history as a true legend of the game. His story remains an inspiration, a testament to the power of resilience and the unyielding spirit of a champion.

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