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The US version of Mail online has come under fire after posting what they describe as an ‘unrecognisable’ image of tennis legend Pete Sampras.
Sampras retired from tennis after winning the 2002 US Open, with his haul of 14 Grand Slam titles then standing as an all-time record in the men’s game.
It seemed as if he had set a record that would stand the test of time, but it didn’t take long for Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to overtake him in the Grand Slam stakes.
He may not be the king of men’s tennis statistically, but Sampras will always be one of the game’s all-time greats and the reaction to the image of him visiting Starbucks sparked a big reaction on social media platforms.
The story was built around the image of Sampras and had an ‘exclusive’ tagline attached to the headline, but the image is clearly that of Sampras looking a little older than he did when he was winning his seven magnificent Wimbledon titles.
The suggestion that Sampras looks a little different compared to his days on the tennis court is hardly surprising as this American sporting great is now 52 years old.
It was a story that produced a predictably hostile response, with former player and coach Rennae Stubbs among those giving her reaction.
Tennis legend is completely unrecognizable as he is seen grabbing a coffee from Starbucks https://t.co/fOk9os7xYG pic.twitter.com/h9u8YJa9dw
— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) January 27, 2024
Stubbs, who is a former coach to Serena Williams, was quick to suggest the story was unwarranted as she took to X to offer this response:
“You guys are TRASH! Firstly he looks fine. Secondly wtf kind of journalist is this,” she wrote.
“I could go into all the reasons why but it’s pointless. You’re pathetic!”
Stubbs was clearly suggesting the headline claiming that Sampras was not looking his best was misplaced as his wife is currently battling cancer.
The famously private tennis legend is supporting partner Bridgette Wilson Sampras as she battles ovarian cancer and he released a statement last October asking the tennis community for “good thoughts and prayers” for his family during this difficult time.
“As most have come to know, I am a pretty quiet and private person. However, this past year has been an exceptionally challenging time for my family, and I have decided to share what’s been going on,” the statement read.
“It is hard to watch someone you love go through a challenge like this,” he continued. “However, seeing our boys step up and be such strong supporters of Bridgette has been amazing. Watching Bridgette continue to be an incredible mom and wife through it all has been inspiring.
“I have also learned that it is very hard to reach for support when something is simply too hard to talk about.
“With that said, I will end this by humbly asking for good thoughts and prayers for our family as Bridgette continues to thrive on her healing journey.”
Unlike many legendary tennis players, Sampras has opted against staying in the game as either a coach or broadcaster and has only made fleeting appearances at Wimbledon and other events over the last couple of decades.
The reaction to this negative story highlights the affection the tennis community still hold for him and it can only be hoped the support he has received after this was published has been comforting during what is a tough time for the Sampras family.
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