I loved Wimbledon and what it meant, but the surface felt uncomfortable. I just didn't like it, I was a hard-court guy, a Californian kid.

- Pete Sampras

You kind of live and die by the serve.

- Pete Sampras

I've worked hard my whole life, since I was a little kid. But now it's a point in my life now where I can just enjoy it, but at the same time I still need to work.

- Pete Sampras

People know me. I'm not going to produce any cartwheels out there. I'm not going to belong on Comedy Central. I'll always be a tennis player, not a celebrity.

- Pete Sampras

When I committed to playing a little tennis in some exhibitions, it was the best thing for me. It got me in shape. It got me out of the house. It got me doing something I love to do.

- Pete Sampras

I can't just wake up and watch TV and do nothing. I need a day off working out, seeing the wife, play a little golf, see my kids.

- Pete Sampras

I've got a great wife, a great life.

- Pete Sampras

Golfers are forever working on mechanics. My tennis swing hasn't changed in 10 years.

- Pete Sampras

I don't know how I do it, I really don't.

- Pete Sampras

It is nice to walk out on a court to have it packed.

- Pete Sampras

I'm staying in shape, working out.

- Pete Sampras

I've been into golf, trying to get into the gym to stay somewhat fit. I've got two boys now, they're active kids.

- Pete Sampras

If Davis Cup was a little bit less or once every two years, I would be more inclined to play. But the way it is now, it is too much tennis for me.

- Pete Sampras

Tennis is seen all around the world; if I am home or anywhere in the country, United States, people will stare.

- Pete Sampras

There's always one shot that I can rely on when I'm not hitting the ball that well, is my serve.

- Pete Sampras

When you retire you want to get as far away as possible from the game for a couple of years.

- Pete Sampras

Where I fall down is my short game. I don't practice enough, and when I have to take a half swing from 50 yards out, that's trouble.

- Pete Sampras

For so long people have just taken what I do for granted. It is not easy to do year-in, year-out, to win Grand Slams and be No. 1.

- Pete Sampras

It's not easy to retire at 31. In one respect I was glad I was done. But after a few years of having fun, I got a little restless. When you're 33, 34, and you don't have a focus, you can get kind of lost. As a man, you feel a little bit unfulfilled.

- Pete Sampras

The difference of great players is at a certain point in a match they raise their level of play and maintain it. Lesser players play great for a set, but then less.

- Pete Sampras