born Aug. 12, 1971, Washington, D.C., U.S.
U.S. tennis player.
He learned tennis after moving to southern California in 1978. He was a five-time U.S. Open champion (1990, 1993, 1995–96, 2002), seven-time Wimbledon champion (1993–95, 1997–2000), and two-time Australian Open champion (1994, 1997). In 2000 he won his 7th Wimbledon men's singles trophy, setting a world record of 13 grand-slam victories; he claimed his 14th grand-slam title at the 2002 U.S. Open. He was known for his high-powered serves, accurate volleys, and unassuming demeanour. In 2003 Sampras retired from professional tennis.