Pete Sampras is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, having won 14 Grand Slam titles across his many years at the top of the sport.
In fact, his major tally was the highest in ATP Tour history until Roger Federer came along.
Given he was so ever-present at the apex of the men’s game for so long, he was bound to have a myriad of iconic rivalries.
However, one of the fiercest and most unlikely was the one he shared with Pat Rafter.
Pat Rafter and Pete Sampras’ feud
It might seem strange for the calm and collected Pete Sampras to get dragged into such a petty and seemingly bitter rivalry, but that is exactly what happened with Rafter.
In fact, the two-time major champion has admitted that he did try to wind him up when the opportunity arose.
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That perfect opportunity came in 1998, after Rafter knocked Sampras out of the US Open in the semi-finals. Then asked the difference between them both, the American bluntly replied: “About ten Grand Slams.”
In 2018, Rafter explained why Sampras failed to win more Grand Slam titles. It seems that, despite having openly quelled their feud during their playing days, some animosity might remain.
What Pat Rafter said after losing to Pete Sampras in 1999
Their rivalry arguably reached a boiling point in 1999, as both players were battling for the world number one spot.
This culminated in a hugely dramatic Cincinnati Open final, with Sampras coming out on top to leapfrog the Australian in the rankings.
Rafter, clearly frustrated with himself and his opponent, did not hold back in his post-match assessment.
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He claimed: “Pete Sampras really does say some funny things at the wrong time. We are out there busting our guts and he doesn’t show a lot of respect at the end of the day.
“He tries to play down the reason why he lost, giving no respect to the other player. And that is what really upsets me about him and the reason I try to [anger him] as much as I can.”
It seems like, at least for a period during his career, Rafter succeeded.
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