Rafter Compares His Former Rivals Agassi and Sampras: "Andre Brought Hollywood to Tennis, While Pete Was Quieter, More Reserved"

Patrick Rafter, known for his serve-and-volley style, briefly held the world No. 1 ranking for one week in 1999. He won two Grand Slam titles at the US Open in 1997 and 1998 and reached two Wimbledon finals in 2000 and 2001.

For the ATP, the Australian took the time to reflect on the rivalries he had with Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras in the 1990s and early 2000s.

The two Americans combined for 22 Grand Slam titles between them (14 for Sampras, 8 for Agassi) from 1990 to 2003:

"Agassi and Sampras were part of my generation. They were incredibly solid as No. 1 players. I always really enjoyed playing Andre because I loved the clash of our playing styles.

I would come to the net, chip and charge, and he would hit passing shots, lobs, and every shot in the book to beat me.

He beat me quite often, but I also won against him a few times (10-5 in head-to-head matches for Agassi). And we played each other in Grand Slams and big moments, which was always great.

When I played Pete, it was the same style as me. But he was just much better than I was. Pete was too good.

Andre gave tennis a new face in the United States. He had that brash, very open personality that brought Hollywood to tennis.

Pete was calmer, more reserved. He took care of his business. He stayed true to himself, and I think we all did. I don’t think you can be successful and be fake."