Pete Sampras is a name that is synonymous with tennis. The former world number one and 14-time Grand Slam champion is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Even though he retired from professional tennis in 2003, fans still wonder what racquet he uses now.
It is a well-known fact that Sampras was extremely particular about his racquets during his playing days. He used the Wilson Pro Staff 85 for almost his entire career, which helped him achieve great success on the court. However, it is not clear what racquet he uses now, as he has been out of the professional circuit for over two decades.
However, it is widely speculated that Sampras currently plays with a blacked-out version of the Babolat Pure Storm GT. He is known to add a lot of weight to his racquets, and it is believed that he has done the same with his Babolat racquet.
In this article, we will explore the details of Sampras’ racquet specs and try to shed some light on what he might be using now.
Pete Sampras’ Tennis Career
Early Career
Pete Sampras was born in Washington, D.C. in 1971 and grew up in California. He started playing tennis at the age of 3 and by the age of 7, he was already winning tournaments. Sampras turned professional in 1988 at the age of 16 and quickly established himself as one of the rising stars of the game.
Sampras’ early career was marked by a series of impressive performances, including a win over Andre Agassi in the final of the 1990 US Open. He continued to build on this success, and by the mid-1990s, he had become the dominant force in men’s tennis.
Grand Slam Titles
Sampras won a total of 14 Grand Slam singles titles during his career, which is a record among male players until 2009, when it was broken by Roger Federer. He won his first Grand Slam title at the 1990 US Open, and his last at the 2002 US Open.
Sampras’ success at Grand Slam tournaments was built on his powerful serve and his ability to control the net. He was known for his aggressive style of play and his mental toughness, which allowed him to come back from difficult situations.
Sampras’ Grand Slam titles include seven Wimbledon titles, five US Open titles, and two Australian Open titles. He also won a total of 11 Grand Slam doubles titles, including two with John McEnroe.
Retirement
Sampras retired from professional tennis in 2003, at the age of 32. His retirement came as a surprise to many, as he had just won the 2002 US Open and was still considered one of the top players in the game.
Since retiring, Sampras has remained involved in tennis, both as a coach and as a commentator. He has also been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education and the Tim and Tom Gullikson Foundation.
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Pete Sampras’ Racquets
Racquets Used During His Career
During his professional tennis career, Pete Sampras was known for his use of the Wilson Pro Staff 85 racquet. This was a standard racquet at the time and helped him achieve great success on the court. Sampras was known for his power and accuracy with this particular racquet, and it helped him win many of his matches.
Sampras had lots of lead tape added to his racquet at 3 and 9. He also used power pads, a dampener, and strung his racquet with Babolat VS natural gut at 70 lbs or 35 kg tension. His racquets had customized grip pallets, and he used a leather grip with a Tourna overgrip. His racquet specs were 384 grams, 32.3 cm balance (6 pts HL), and had a…
Current Racquet
Pete Sampras currently plays with a blacked-out version of the Babolat Pure Storm GT. He has added a lot of weight to his Babolat racquet, just like he does with all his racquets. The head size is 98 sq. in, and the length is 27 in. His racquet specs are not known, but it is speculated that he added lead tape to his current racquet as well.
It is important to note that Sampras is retired from professional tennis and only plays recreationally. Therefore, his current racquet setup may not be the same as it was during his professional career. However, it is clear that he prefers to play with a heavier racquet and has a preference for Babolat racquets.
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What Racquet Does Pete Sampras Use Now?
Specifications of His Current Racquet
Pete Sampras is a retired tennis player who still plays recreationally. He currently uses a blacked-out version of the Babolat Pure Storm Gt, to which he has added a lot of weight. The specifications of his current racquet are as follows:
| Head Size: | 98 sq. in |
|---|---|
| Length: | 27 in |
| Strung Weight: | 10.9 oz / 309g |
| Balance: | 1pts HL |
Advantages and Disadvantages of His Current Racquet
Sampras’ current racquet provides him with several advantages, such as:
- Good control and feel
- Great spin potential
- Powerful shots
However, there are also some disadvantages to his current racquet, such as:
- Less maneuverable than lighter racquets
- Can be difficult to generate pace on serves
- May cause arm fatigue due to its weight
Overall, Sampras’ current racquet is a great choice for players who prefer heavier racquets and want to generate a lot of spin and power. However, it may not be the best option for players who prioritize maneuverability and ease of use.