There are many rivalries throughout the history of tennis, and tennis fans remember many of them with nostalgia. Certainly, most remember the rivalry between the big three - Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, but older generations are also familiar with other rivalries.
One of those that is particularly memorable is the rivalry between Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi.
During the Nothing Major podcast, John Isner was asked to name the greatest tennis 'feud' of all time, and he believes that it is precisely the rivalry between Sampras and Agassi.
Isner points out that watching their matches was really exciting, but that he was happiest with Sampras victories, considering that he was his big fan.
For me, because Im the oldest of the bunch, I liked Sampras versus Agassi.
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Its not like theyre arch enemies, but you know, theres obviously, clearly a huge rivalry there. I dont think they are, maybe, the best of friends, but again, not enemies.
But watching those two guys with me growing up, watching those two guys play in the finals of big tournaments and, you know, Sampras beating Agassi at the US Open finals."- Isner said.
Inspiration for younger generations
The matches between Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi were the reason why many boys picked up tennis rackets and started practicing this sport. Years later, some of them became professionals and left a serious mark, while others became big fans of tennis thanks to those matches.
John Isner seems to have been impressed with the duo, hoping that one day he too will be on the big screen and achieve great things in the world of tennis.
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Sampras and Agassi were role models for many, and their era will be remembered with nostalgia both now and in the future.
They played a match with four tiebreakers and no breaks. I knew I was going to be an aspiring bot after watching that one.
For me, its Sampras and Agassi. Pete Sampras is my favourite player ever, but I loved watching those two guys go at it. Two completely different personalities. Just iconic stuff there for me.- he concluded.
