Pete Sampras explains what he wish he knew before becoming successful

Reuters

Pete Sampras wrote a letter to his younger self for Derek Jeter's The Players' Tribune.

The letter can best be described as advice he would have given himself before he won his first U.S. Open at the age of 19 and before he won the first of 14 Grand Slam titles in what would become one of the greatest tennis careers of all time.

While most of the advice he wishes he had received deals with life as a professional athlete and even the sport of tennis, it is easy to see how the same advice can be applied in other careers.

On being prepared to handle the media crush that comes with success.

Getty Images

On being stubborn.

Getty Images

On taking caring of your most important tool, your body.

Getty Images

On appreciating your biggest rival.

Getty Images

NOW WATCH: This is why LeBron James is in such good shape

Please enable Javascript to watch this video