Pat Rafter names Pete Sampras his toughest opponent and lifts lid on ‘cry baby’ comment

Pat Rafter has described Pete Sampras as the “toughest player I played against” and has also given some background to one of his infamous run-ins with Pistol Pete.
The duo’s professional careers overlapped and they faced each 16 times on the ATP Tour with Sampras winning their head-to-head count 12-4.
Two-time Grand Slam winner Rafter says there is no doubt that the American, who won 14 majors before hanging up his racket, was the stand-out player during their heydays.
“The toughest player I played against was definitely Pete Sampras – he did everything I did, only better,” he told Eurosport.
“His record was the best so there’s no doubt about it Sampras the stand-out. I enjoyed playing Andre Agassi the most – I thought we had a really good battle, I really enjoyed playing him.”
Tennis365’s Top 10 countdown of the greatest tennis players – No 5: Pete Sampras
The pair had their run-ins on and off court and Rafter reportedly once called Sampras a “cry baby” during an intense battle.
When asked about the cry baby comment, the Australian replied: “I can’t remember the exact words, but we had a run-in in Cincinnatti one year – I probably told him to grow up.
“He cracked it when I beat him one time. But that was back in the old days, emotions were running high and don’t take it personally. It’s all good.”
Rafter was also asked which players he would like to have played from the current era, but he wasn’t keen to face anyone.
“No-one! Someone like Djokovic would make my life miserable,” he joked. “He returns too well. Someone like Rafa, I reckon I could get two and two [6-2, 6-2] in my heyday, on the fastest court you have ever seen. They are two of the best players I have ever seen.”
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Elena Rybakina explains why she publicly defended her coach Stefano Vukov after social media ‘mess’
“He helps me a lot. We have open dialogues,” says Elena Rybakina.
-
ATP Tour
Andy Murray’s 2023 tennis schedule: Where is he competing next and his season so far…
Andy Murray’s potential schedule for the 2023 season.
-
WTA Tour
Ons Jabeur to miss Middle East swing as she requires surgery
Ons Jabeur to miss Doha and Dubai events.
-
Tennis News
Venus Williams gives fitness update: ‘For now, I’ll not be playing tennis’
“This is the kind of injury that you have to let it rest.”
-
Tennis News
Dominic Thiem looking to rekindle fire after losing his spark following US Open success
Dominic Thiem still has the belief that he can regain his best form.
-
ATP Tour
Holger Rune’s impressive growth in one chart as he confirms Patrick Mouratoglou will stay on
Holger Rune on the rise.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic given fresh hope he could play in Indian Wells and Miami
Djokovic may yet have hope that changes are made to US entry rules so he can play in Indian Wells and Miami.
-
Tennis News
John McEnroe makes a bold prediction for Emma Raducanu
John McEnroe has emerged as a vocal supporter for Emma Raduacanu.
-
Tennis News
Jessica Pegula opens up about mother’s health scare: ‘My sister had to give my mom CPR and saved her life’
A heartfelt and brave piece from Jessica Pegula.
-
ATP Tour
Stefanos Tsitsipas’ 2023 tennis schedule: Where is he competing next and his season so far…
Stefanos Tsitsipas’ confirmed and unconfirmed events for the 2023 tennis season.