"Going to school is part of growing up; going to parties, getting in trouble" - When Pete Sampras disclosed his 'regret' about dropping out of school

Pete Sampras once expressed regret over dropping out of school to become a professional tennis player. The American bemoaned missing out on typical high school experiences and the chance to build lasting friendships with his peers.

Sampras was still a sophomore at Palos Verdes High in California when he made his ATP tour debut at the 1988 US Pro Indoor in Philadelphia. Later that year, the American made the decision to leave high school and turn professional, as he made waves by breaking into the top 100 after starting the year as the World No. 893.

Just two years later, Pete Sampras won his maiden Grand Slam title at the 1990 US Open, beating his arch-rival Andre Agassi 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 in the blockbuster final. His success continued, and he went on to win his fifth Major title at the 1994 Wimbledon Championships.

Despite his exceptional accomplishments on tour, the American regretted his decision to forgo a traditional education. In a 1994 interview with Sports Illustrated, Sampras emphasized that going to school was an integral part of growing up, highlighting that experiences like going to parties and getting in trouble helped a person become well-rounded.

"It's one regret I might have. Going to school is part of growing up, developing. Going to parties, getting in a little trouble, all of that helps make you a broader person. Also, I might have a good friend. You know, I don't have a really good friend," Sampras said.

Martina Navratilova, who had expressed caution about Jennifer Capriati breaking out on tour at just 13 years old and making her professional debut at the age of 17, conveyed similar sentiments to Pete Sampras.

"We've seen the results of playing at 14. It is no accident that I'm not only still playing, but I can contribute intellectually," Navratilova said.

"I wasn't feeling too good about myself... I've always been a worker, since I was a teenager" - Pete Sampras on his struggle to adjust to life after retirement

Pete Sampras (Source: Getty)

After adhering to the demanding tennis calendar since he was a teenager, Pete Sampras revealed that he found it difficult to adjust to life after his retirement in 2002.

Speaking to the media in 2008, the 14-time Grand Slam champion admitted that he struggled for three years after ending his career. Sampras described feeling unproductive, putting on weight, and spending much of time playing poker and golf.

"(For) three years I didn't do a thing. I put on some weight. I wasn't feeling too good about myself. Playing golf, playing poker," Sampras said. "You wake up (and say) 'Okay, what am I going to do today?' To be 31, 32 and retired is great but at the same time I've always been a worker, since I was a teenager."

However, Pete Sampras also shared that he appreciated the time to "decompress" and rediscover his love for tennis, acknowledging the physical and emotional toll the "brutal" sport had taken on him over the course of his career.