For most of his career, Novak Djokovic has been compared to Andre Agassi. Even Djokovic himself has said on multiple occasions that he would be “eternally grateful to him.” Djokovic also trained with him for a while. However, according to Steve Flink, an eminent sports journalist, Agassi’s rival Pete Sampras had a more lasting effect on the current world No. 1.
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How is Pete Sampras Similar To Novak Djokovic
In a recent virtual interview with Steve Flink, author of Sampras’ biography “Greatness Revisited,” Gill Gross unveiled the truth about why Djokovic idealized Sampras in his childhood.
Flink said –
“He knew their games were different. What he liked is how Sampras carried Himself. He’s 6 years old, sitting in Serbia, watching Pete play the Wimbledon Final against Jim Courier. He became a really ardent admirer.” He continues, “He had some fascinating things to say and of course, he also felt that he learned a lot from the Sampras psyche and he compared it to his win over Federer; Saving the two match points in the 2019 Wimbledon Final. He felt like he sees some similarities between himself and Pete.”
READ MORE – Will Novak Djokovic Extend His 2020 Winning Streak at Western & Southern Open?
However, not everything was as similar as one might think. The main difference between the two was in their approach to the game, “Even though he knows some significant differences well which he explains in the book; How he complicates things and Pete always kept things simple. That’s a message that Sampras tried to go through to Djokovic.”
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Why did Novak Djokovic idolize Pete Sampras as a child when he knew his game was closer to Agassi’s? The reason is even more incredible knowing what we do now about Novak.
Why did Novak Djokovic idolize Pete Sampras as a child when he knew his game was closer to Agassi's? The reason is even more incredible knowing what we do now about Novak.
Order Steve Flink's new book on Pete Sampras here: https://t.co/nDoGS4vITl pic.twitter.com/8gD4OGETH1
— Gill Gross😷 (@Gill_Gross) August 19, 2020
Sampras’ Ideal Predecessor
Before this interview, the legend himself has spoken highly of Djokovic and said they are a lot similar.
“When I look at the current generation – Rafa, Andy, Roger, Novak – I should say that Novak is very similar to me. Because he is just like me, a happy person.”
Sampras explained how they didn’t have any tennis icon in their country before they both started playing. Sampras is of Greek origin, and Djokovic is Serbian. “Both of us work hard, maybe harder than others to get on the top.”
It’s great to see two icons from two eras speak so highly of each other. The current No. 1 in men’s ranking, Djokovic is ready to take part in the upcoming US Open on 31st August.
