"John McEnroe thrives on controversy in a way I don't": When Pete Sampras rejected compatriot's criticism about his personality as a 'load of garbage'
Pete Sampras once addressed the stark contrast between his personality and fellow tennis legend John McEnroe's, crediting the difference as the reason behind their frequent "miscommunication." Sampras also denounced his compatriot's criticism of his reserved attitude.
During his illustrious career, McEnroe became known for his explosive temper and recurring run-ins with tournament officials, which earned him the nickname 'Superbrat.' On the other hand, Sampras was known for his calm and focused on-court demeanor.
Given their polar opposite attitudes, it was unsurprising that John McEnroe perceived his fellow American's personality as lacking in intensity.
"His [Pete Sampras'] personality is not going to win any awards. This is a case where people would respond more if they did feel an intensity. It would be helpful to him, and to tennis, that you see he really wants it," McEnroe told USA Today.
In a 2000 interview with Ace Tennis, Pete Sampras addressed the contrast in his and McEnroe's personalities, disclosing that it was easier to deal with his compatriot after realizing that, unlike him, the seven-time Grand Slam champion thrived on controversy.
"John and I are about as different as two people can get personality-wise, and that explains a lot. We've had our share of miscommunication at times. John likes to stir things up," Pete Sampras said.
"He thrives on controversy and emotional stuff in a way that I don't and, once you understand that, it's easier to deal with him. The big plus is that he's been there at that high level, and he knows how to handle players like Andre and me on court," he added.
Pete Sampras also addressed McEnroe's complaints about his personality, denouncing them as a "load of garbage." He asserted he found it perplexing that the seven-time Grand Slam champion would expect him to shed his natural disposition.
Sampras further emphasized that he made no apologies about his personality, highlighting that his "quiet way" had helped him achieve unimaginable success in his career.
"To have someone tell me that I ought to act differently from how I am, or to make an effort to be exciting, is just the biggest load of garbage. We're all different. It's baffling that anyone would presume to tell someone else to depart from their natural self," Sampras said.
"I have no apologies to make for the way I play or what I project. I feel no shame in knowing kids are watching me play and maybe even taking their cues from it. And I think that my own quiet way has taken me to places I wouldn't have dreamed of ever reaching," he added.
Pete Sampras enjoyed a perfect winning record against John McEnroe
John McEnroe and Pete Sampras only faced each other three times during their careers, with Sampras emerging victorious in all three encounters. Their first meeting took place at the 1990 Canadian Open, where Sampras claimed a hard-fought 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-4 victory.
The 14-time Grand Slam champion also triumphed in their only Grand Slam clash, beating McEnroe 6-2, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the semifinals of the 1990 US Open en route to his maiden title at his home Slam. Sampras then dominated their final encounter in the semifinals of the 1991 US Pro Indoor in Philadelphia, securing a 6-2, 6-4 victory over his fellow American.
McEnroe retired from singles in 1994 with seven Grand Slam titles, while Pete Sampras hung up his racket after clinching his 14th and final Major title at the 2002 US Open.