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This won't go down as the greatest year of Pete Sampras' career, but his performance at Wimbledon was certainly one to remember. Playing through the pain of a foot injury that he admitted would have knocked him out of any other tournament, Sampras won his fourth consecutive title at the All England Club and seventh overall, tying the record set by William Renshaw in the 1880s. The victory also gave Sampras 13 career Grand Slam titles, breaking the record held by Roy Emerson. Not usually known for his emotions on the court, Sampras broke down in tears after the four-set win over Patrick Rafter in the final, then climbed into the stands and embraced his parents, who rarely appear at their son's matches. On this day, though, they were witnessing history as Sampras showed why he deserves to be considered the best ever, gutting out the match in near darkness following a lengthy rain delay.
--Lee Geeker
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