"Ryan is a creature of habit, he doesn't like change... Christian’s more sensitive and reserved": When Pete Sampras' sons reminded American of himself
Pete Sampras once opened up about the similarities between him and his two sons. The American has two children with his wife, former actress and singer Bridgette Wilson.
Sampras and Wilson tied the knot on September 30, 2000, shortly after the American's loss to Marat Safin in the US Open final. The couple wed in an intimate ceremony, with Elton John performing at the reception. They welcomed their first child, a son named Christian, in November 2002, followed by their second son, Ryan, in July 2005.
Both Pete Sampras and Bridgette Wilson prioritized keeping their family life private, stepping away from the public eye to raise their children. Sampras played his final professional match at the 2002 US Open, shortly before Christian's birth, while Wilson also took a step back from her acting career.
The American retired with the then-all-time record of 14 Grand Slam titles. Roger Federer had the opportunity to surpass his idol's record by clinching his 15th Major title at the 2009 Wimbledon Championships.
In an interview with The New York Times ahead of the grasscourt Major, Pete Sampras expressed uncertainty about making the trip over to witness Federer surpass his record, humorously citing the difficulty of traveling with two young children.
"I’m not sure. Have you ever tried traveling with a 6-year-old and a 3-year-old?" he said.
The American also shed light on his sons' personalities, describing them both as homebodies. He disclosed that his younger son Ryan bore a strong physical resemblance to him, sharing that he was a creature of habit who disliked change.
Additionally, Sampras revealed that his elder son Christian reminded him of himself as a child due to his sensitive and reserved nature.
"He is a creature of habit. He doesn’t like change. Christian’s like I was as a kid. He’s much more sensitive and reserved," Pete Sampras said.
"We would reach out to one another just to have our kids play" - Pete Sampras on his friendship with Andre Agassi
Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi established a fierce rivalry on tour during their careers, facing off in 34 matches. Despite their intense on-court battles, the duo also managed to cultivate a healthy bond off the court.
In a 2007 interview with Sports Illustrated, Sampras described them as friends, disclosing that whenever one visited the other's city, they would get together and arrange playdates for their children.
"I would [describe us as friends today]," Sampras said. "Not anything where we stay in touch week to week, but if he were ever in L.A. or I were in Las Vegas, I think we would reach out to one another just to get together or have our kids play."
Agassi, who shares two children with fellow tennis legend Steffi Graf, has a son named Jaden, born in 2001, and a daughter named Jaz, born in 2003.