Known as 'Pistol Pete', Sampras was born on August 12th 1971 in Washington D.C to Greek parents and dominated men's tennis throughout the 1990s.

He ended his outstanding career in the perfect way, capturing a record 14th Grand Slam singles title with a four-set success against arch-rival Andre Agassi in the 2002 US Open final.

That brought Sampras' career full circle, for Flushing Meadows was where it had all begun for him 12 years earlier, a three-set win over Agassi earning him his maiden Grand Slam success.

However, despite his five US Open victories, it was Wimbledon with which Sampras became most readily associated; for he won the All England title seven times, his only defeat from 1993-2000 coming against Richard Krajicek in 1996.

Two Australian Opens also came his way, but the one Grand Slam he never conquered was the French, for his style of play was hardly suited to clay.

A ferocious server, his game was all about power and athleticism. The 'Sampras Slam Dunk' - an aerial volley - became his trademark.

He was coached by Tim Gullikson until he was taken ill with a brain tumour in 1995 (he died the following year) and subsequently Paul Annacone, who guided him through the record-breaking phase of his career.

Sampras' first defeat for five years at Wimbledon in 2001 came against Roger Federer, who would later inherit his status as the world's best player.

However, while his air of invincibility would disappear, Sampras chose the ideal moment to bow out with that emotional win against Agassi and resisted all calls to extend his career.