Pete Sampras is a name that has long been associated with silverware in the tennis world. With 14 grand slams to his name along with multiple ATP titles, the American player is an all-time great. However, in the penultimate years of his career, the former number 1 struggled to find his peak form. In his biography, he reveals how his last grand slam final ever 5 set match went.

In the last ever grand slam, the US Open, he faced Greg Rusedski in what turned out to be a spectacular match. However, after the match, Rusedski made controversial comments, downplaying Sampras’ performance. The American legend responded with grace and a stunning reply, which clearly highly highlights his calmness and why he stood at the top for so long with the world cheering for him.

Pete Sampras’ savage response to Greg’s comments following US Open round of 32 match

Following the US Open round of 32 match, Greg Rusedski shared his views about the outcome of the match. In a bitter tone, he said that it was he who lost the match and not Pete that actually won it. Rusedski criticized Sampras’ game, claiming that he was no longer the player he once was, especially when compared to what he achieved when he was in his peak form.

“I lost the match. He did not win it… He’s not playing that great. I’d be surprised if he wins the next match against Haas….He’s a step-and-a-half slower coming to the net. You can get the ball down. He’s just not the same player. I mean, he’s a great player from the past. You’re used to seeing Pete Sampras, 13-time Grand Slam champion. It’s not the same player.” said Rusedski complaining about his gameplay.

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In response to Rusedski’s comments, Pete Sampras came forward and gave a simple reply with the intention of not furthering the matter between the two.

Addressing Rusedski’s post-match comments, Sampras said, “Honestly, no disrespect to Greg, but it was him. It wasn’t Courier or Agassi. It was just Greg being Greg. I was told about what he said, but it didn’t affect me.”

He continued, saying, “If McEnroe had said something, I would have felt that a little more. Greg was bitter and pi**ed that he lost and we all say certain things at those times. I wasn’t paying much attention to it. I would go into my own little world when I would play these majors and I just don’t let anything get in the way of winning.” 

The American legend admitted that facing someone like Rusedski was challenging due to the unpredictable nature of his game. It was certainly a spectacle for those who witnessed in live at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Also read: ‘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

Sampras match with Greg was nothing short of a spectacular

The 2002 US Open round of 32 match between Pete Sampras and Greg Rusedski was an exhilarating clash between two tennis giants. Sampras, relying on his signature sliced first serve, applied pressure to Rusedski’s vulnerable backhand in the deuce court.

The match went to the fifth and the decider set. In the decisive fifth set, Sampras demonstrated his trademark forehand passing-shot winners to earn himself a crucial match point on Rusedski’s serve. The Canadian served a 130 mph thunderbolt down the T but opted to stay back behind it. Sampras capitalized on the opportunity, making a solid return and approaching the net to finish the point with a forehand down the line.

The legendary American retired with a remarkable 33-15 record in five-set matches, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Pete Sampras’ triumph at the US Open and his composed response to criticism stands as a result of his enduring greatness and his ability to overcome challenges with grace.

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