here is a Q somebody ask in 2003 - SI.com
When acknowledging the coaches who helped him during his career, Pete Sampras, at his U.S. Open farewell party, did not mention Dr. Pete Fischer. I understand that Fischer was a major influence in Pete's development almost right up to Pete's first U.S. Open title. When Fischer was found guilty of child molestation, my recollection is that Sampras said that while he was unaware of any of Fischer's activities, he still had to give a lot of credit to this man for developing his game. Wouldn't The Life of Dr. Pete Fischer make a great read?
--Rob, Mount Vernon, N.Y.
Not sure I'd use the term "great," but, indeed, The Life of Dr. Pete Fischer would make for a compelling read. Sampras is understandably reluctant to speak much about the eccentric doctor, but for the record, his name was at least broached at the retirement festivities. To wit:
Q: Four men, if I'm right, were very important in your game: your dad took you out to the courts, Pete gave you your early strokes, Gully and Paul guided you. Of those four, which do you think was most key? Secondly, what was it like going through the Wimbledon fortnight and not being there? Did you watch? Was that tough?
SAMPRAS: I watched a little bit, but it wasn't tough. You know, the first day I saw Wimbledon, I missed it, I missed the court, I missed the stadium. It's another tournament. It's a grind. It's a lot of pressure. In a lot of ways, I was glad I was home. The answer to your first question, obviously, is my dad, he gave me the chance to play, which I'll always be thankful. And Tim, he took me from No. 6 in the world all the way to No. 1. ... Paul really, for the past seven years, has been huge for my career. I mean, he has never got the credit that he deserves, and has been instrumental in everything I've done in my career as far as staying No. 1. It worked out well.
Q: Would you be where you are without Pete Fisher?
SAMPRAS: You could say that. But, you know, I don't --
I just wanted to point out that Amanda
