"They are much more outgoing than me, I'm a lone wolf" - Sampras on Djokovic, Nadal and Federer

ATP
Wednesday, 07 September 2022 at 13:30
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Pete Sampras is not like any member of the big three as the American considers himself a lone wolf enjoying his alone time.

Pete Sampras was the player with most grand slams before Roger Federer overtook and he was passed by two more a bit later. Together they are known as the big three and every living tennis fan knows about who they are and how meaningful they are.

The American player compared himself to them recently admitting that they are much more outgoing than him explaining that it might have something to do with the era in which they are playing:

"You look at Roger, Rafa and Novak today and they are much more social and outgoing than me, and maybe it's through social media and where we are in society. Maybe, if I were playing now, I would be more like these guys. It's just a different mindset. In my generation, everyone was a little more separated, but now Roger has Rafa's phone number and everyone texts each other and has Instagram."

Speaking more about the big three, Sampras said:

"Knowing Roger a little bit, I guess he can be the soul of the party in the locker room. I was more in the corner, away from everyone, and I loved the last weekend of Wimbledon, when nobody was in the dressing room. I am a lone wolf. I get energy by being alone. I like to be alone. That's how I'm connected and how it's always been."

On Nadal, he added:

"Everything that (Nadal) does is exceptional. Roger (Federer) and I had a period of dominance on grass, but winning the same big 14 times is incredible. And mentally, what a player! Surely the best I've seen."

On Djokovic he added:

"Novak has done incredible things in the last ten years, he has good numbers against most players, he is the one with the record of being number 1. He has won everywhere. He has all the records except for the Grand Slam."

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