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For some time it has been known that Pete Sampras was moving homes and in the process it appears that he has been robbed of some of his tennis memorabilia and trophies which are of significant sentimental and monetary value. Sampras became aware of the theft some weeks ago but says he was shocked by the act. “I was like, ‘What?’ I thought there were security cameras. I thought these things were locked up tight. I was shocked.”
Sampras, who amassed 14 Grand Slam titles in his career, has secured 13 of the trophies in his new home as well as at NikeTown in Portland, however, his first Australian Open trophy, two Davis Cup trophies, an Olympic ring, his trophies for finishing year end number one between 1993-98 as well as many other trophies from smaller tournaments and media clippings have been taken. It’s a substantial haul. The only thing left in the storage facility was some large furniture.
“My first Australian Open trophy is gone, and so is everything else. We’ve had some housing issues and we stored things while we were sorting that out… I’m not one to gloat about trophies, or show them off, I’ve never been like that. I just want them for my kids to see. They didn’t see me play, but I’d like them to see these things. For me to have it for my kids is priceless… I just hope it hasn’t already been destroyed. That’s why I wanted to get the word out now. I know this is a long shot, but I’d regret it if I didn’t at least try. Maybe somebody knows something. That’s all I can hope for. Losing this stuff is like having the history of my tennis life taken away.”
