"Andre Agassi was more flamboyant, I was more introverted, he is still a good friend" - When Pete Sampras opened up about relationship with arch-rival
Pete Sampras has often spoken openly about his rivalry with fellow American Andre Agassi. He once noted that while their personalities were very different, they were bonded by their shared accomplishments in tennis.
Agassi and Sampras were two of the greatest players of their era, with the former capturing eight Grand Slam titles and the latter winning 14. Their rivalry was fierce, with 34 ATP Tour matchups, where Sampras held a 24-10 lead in their head-to-head record.
Though their personalities and playing styles differed greatly, the duo held a strong mutual respect for each other's skills, maintaining a positive relationship off the court.
In a 2008 interview with the NPR, Pete Sampras said:
"Yeah, I think we were pretty different. I mean Andre was a little more flamboyant, outgoing; I was a little more introverted."
"From our games to our personality to our attire, but in the mid-'90s we're one and two in the world playing in major tournaments and he - obviously he was a great player and he's still a good friend today and as much as we were different, we got along pretty well," he added.
"Pete Sampras has been a thorn in my side, but that's what makes it special" - Andre Agassi
In a 2001 interview with The Guardian, Andre Agassi reflected on his rivalry and friendship with Pete Sampras, noting that they share many great memories. He acknowledged that while both had made things difficult for each other; it was the challenge that made their rivalry so "special."
"Pete [Sampras] and I have great memories," Agassi said. "But when we are not right on our game, then we don't really want to be out there, the matches don't live up to what we are capable of."
"I think both of us have shaped each other's games a little and frustrated the other. He's been a thorn in my side, certainly, but that's what makes it special," he added.
The eight-time Grand Slam champion continued:
"No, he's a way different cat than I am. I think each of our worst nightmares would certainly be to wake up and be the other one."
Pete Sampras ended his career in 2003, with his final match taking place at the US Open in 2002, where he won the tournament. Similarly, Agassi's last match also came at Flushing Meadows in 2006.