Pete Sampras, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, is a full-fledged Tampa guy when he’s not on the road.

By JOEY JOHNSTON

Tribune Staff Writer

(c) Tampa Bay Times. Originally published Oct. 15, 1993.

TAMPA – He’s the reigning champion at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. He’s recognizable in the world’s largest cities. And he has enough money – more than $6 million in official tournament earnings – to splurge on anything.

But that’s all secondary when top-ranked Pete Sampras returns home. “I love it here,” he said, flashing his trademark killer smile. Indeed, there’s a lot to love at the 5,000-square-foot, two-story Tampa Palms home he shares with girlfriend DeLaina Mulcahy.

On a typically sun-splashed day, Sampras could sit poolside and watch golfers play the third green. Music from the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Cat Stevens often sets a ’70s mood on his surround-sound stereo. Mixed in with tasteful antique decor and eye-catching tennis trophies, the sensations are warm and inviting.

“I guess this is my adopted hometown, and I’m very comfortable with it,” he said. “I plan on staying in Tampa as long as I’m playing tennis. It’s not a huge city like Los Angeles, but just the right size for me. I’m not bothered by anything and can just be myself.”

Nearly one year since moving here, Sampras gradually has become a full-fledged Tampa guy. He dines with George Steinbrenner. Bucs quarterback Steve DeBerg is a regular golfing buddy. Sampras, a Dallas Cowboys fan, hasn’t yet made it to Tampa Stadium. But he does go to selected Lightning games.

He echoes the area’s worn-out refrain: “Why don’t we have a baseball team here?”

Pre-workout mornings always feature breakfast at the same waffle house. Sampras sightings are common at restaurants, malls or supermarkets. Some perspective. Bjorn Borg disappeared. Ivan Lendl’s mansion was protected by attack dogs.

Sampras? He practices. He hangs out. Life couldn’t be better. After traveling the tennis circuit nearly eight months per year, his Tampa time is precious. And now, fresh from a break after his U.S. Open title, Sampras will return to ATP Tour play Monday at Lyon, France. It begins a five-week European trip.

A Wimbledon-U.S. Open quiniela usually means enough. But Sampras is driven to keep his No. 1 ranking by year’s end, which, ironically, will culminate with a Dec. 2 charity match against Dade City rival Jim Courier at the USF Sun Dome.

“The major titles stand out, of course, but so does winning any title,” said Sampras, 22.

While in town, Sampras practices daily with Alvaro Betancour at Saddlebrook Resort. He has rigorous sessions with physical trainer Pat Etcheberry. It’s all business because there are still distant goals. His passionate 1994 dream is a French Open title, which would forever prove that serve-and-volley Sampras is worthy on clay.

“There’s so much more I want to do in tennis,” he said. “I don’t plan on retiring soon.”

Between workouts, Sampras still has fun. During a recent trip to Jamaica, he had dinner with Kelsey Grammer, the “Frasier” of television fame. And before last summer’s Wimbledon, he had a hit on Elton John’s home court.

“It was really great meeting him [John],” Sampras said. “He’s a huge tennis fan.

“Maybe one day I can play golf with Michael Jordan.”

Sampras laughed at that possibility. At the top of his game, nearly the prime of his life, he’s enjoying every minute.