Pete Sampras, who sometimes feels he does not get all the respect he deserves, insisted he had every reason to be proud he would end the year as world number one for a record sixth consecutive time.
"I regard this as an ultimate achievement," said Sampras, who saw his only rival in the race for top spot, Chilean world number two Marcelo Rios, pull out injured from the year-ending ATP Tour world championship on Thursday.
"This is a record I feel will never be broken," he added. "To get to number one is one thing but to stay there is another thing, it's twice as hard. And to do that for the most part of your career is something you can only be proud of."
Sampras was all smiles as he uncorked a bottle of champagne but seconds earlier, at the post-match news conference, he had sounded almost bitter.
"There is not a lot of American media here," he said, complaining once more about the lack of interest in his feats back home. "I'll probably be more appreciated when I'm done playing."
The elegant American, arguably the finest player of all time, said he had been irritated by comments saying the men's game was boring, partly because of his overwhelming domination and lack of charisma.
"It's not that I'm not respected but some things hurt," he said.
Sampras was in his hotel when he heard the news that Rios was pulling out because of a strained back.
"I was eating pasta when I heard it on television," he said. "It was a weird feeling. I've been fighting hard for this record, making a lot of sacrifices and suddenly, it was there. I didn't even have to play any more to get it. It's unfortunate for Marcelo."
Hours later, the American was on court, teaching Slovakia's Karol Kucera a tennis lesson on his way to a spectacular 6-2 6-1 win.
"I told myself I was going to enjoy my tennis today," said Sampras, who had already made sure of a berth in the semifinals. "I couldn't play any better."
Cheered by Mexican waves from an enthusiastic 11,000 crowd in the Hanover hall, he hit astonishing winners almost at will, sealing victory in just 45 minutes.
Now he wants to win the season's finale for the fifth time.
"If I continue to play that well, there's no reason why I shouldn't win," he said. "That would be the icing on the cake."
Sampras finished the year as number one for a fifth straight time last year, equalling the record set by Connors from 1974 to 1978.
Knowing others had won more tournaments, more grand slams or spent more weeks in the number one position, Sampras was obsessed with the record.
To get it, he decided to spend six straight weeks in Europe playing indoor tournaments, something he had not done since 1990.
He retained his Wimbledon crown this year, winning his 11th grand slam title -- one less than the record set by Australian Roy Emerson.
But, partly because of injury worries, he did not look quite as awesome as in previous seasons.
"It was tough at times," he said. "I think the turning point was Wimbledon. From that point on, I knew that the record was a reasonable goal."
The mild-mannered American, who usually hides his emotions with care, made no secret he was in party mood for once.
"For years and years, I went on and on and didn't really appreciate my victories," he said. "Tonight I'm going to have some wine and have fun."
