Pete Sampras once reflected on his feelings after winning his first Grand Slam title at the 1990 US Open. He mentioned that, despite being treated like a star, he didn’t feel like one and was puzzled by the sudden demand for his autograph.
In the New York Major, Sampras defeated Daniel Goldie, Peter Lundgren, Jakob Hlasek, Thomas Muster, Ivan Lendl and John McEnroe to set up a clash with compatriot Andre Agassi in the championship match.
At 19 years old, Sampras defeated Andre Agassi 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 to win his first Grand Slam title at the 1990 US Open, becoming the youngest male champion at Flushing Meadows at the time—a record he held until 2001. This victory also marked the beginning of one of the greatest rivalries in tennis history.
Speaking about his US Open victory during an interview in 1991, Pete Sampras said (via The New York Times):
“What came along with winning the Open isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be; at least it didn’t seem fun to me. It wasn’t exactly like I felt like a robot, but all of a sudden everybody seemed to know me.”
“I don’t see myself as a star at all. I don’t know why people want my autograph. People look up to me and I have to admit, I don’t like being looked at. I’m in the right business to play tennis, but that’s the only part of the business that fits me,” he added.
Pete Sampras on defending maiden US Open title: “I haven’t had a good year, that’s got me pumped up”
During the same 1991 interview, Pete Sampras discussed defending his maiden US Open title. He said he was “pumped up” to prove doubters wrong, especially since many thought he couldn’t defend the title due to his shaky form leading up to the tournament.
“I still don’t like to be the center of attention,” Sampras said. “But I know some people are counting me out because I haven’t had such a good year, and that’s got me pumped up to prove them wrong. If I can get hot again like last year, I’ll show I’m for real and not a fluke.”
The American added:
“But I’ve found out what Michael Chang meant when he said being the youngest champion of a slam is like carrying a backpack full of bricks around for the next year.”
“If I lose in the early rounds, well, I know that bagful of bricks is going to come right down on me,” he continued.
Sampras could not defend his title at Flushing Meadows, as his compatriot Jim Courier cut his run short in the quarterfinals.
