"I really loved Pete when I was younger, I'm a little obsessed" - When Serena Williams claimed she named her dog after Pete Sampras

Serena Williams claimed that she named her dog after Pete Sampras after winning the 2012 Wimbledon Championships.

Williams entered the grass-court Major as the sixth seed and won the tournament after defeating Agnieszka Radwanska 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 in the final. This was her 14th Grand Slam singles title out of 18 finals, which was identical to Pete Sampras' career record.

Williams was asked in her post-match press conference if that stat meant anything to her. The American was understandably excited, and revealed that she loved Sampras during her younger days, even naming her dog Jackie Baila Pete after the seven-time Wimbledon champion.

"Oh, wow. I didn't really know that. I really loved Pete when I was younger. My dog's name is Jackie Baila Pete after Pete Sampras, so obviously I'm a little bit obsessed. So, yeah, I mean, I didn't realize it was the same stats," Williams said.

"With my dad by my side we were able to say a loving goodbye" - Serena Williams on the passing of her dog Jackie Baila Pete in 2015

Williams at the 2022 US Open

Serena Williams got her dog Jackie Baila Pete Williams shortly after winning her first Grand Slam title at the 1999 US Open. However, she died in 2015, following which Williams penned an emotional message for her on Instagram.

"Today really is hard for me. My special friend in which I got at 17 (2 weeks before I won my very first Grand Slam) left me today. She was 16 years young and up until a few days ago was still sprinting," Serena Williams wrote.

"Her poor body gave out this morning and she had a way of telling me it was time for me to be brave and let her go. With my dad by my side we were able to say a loving goodbye,"she added.

Serena Williams ended her message by stating that she would miss Jackie and that her memory would live on forever.

"She was with me from 1999 until today and I miss her so much. I got out of the shower this afternoon and she was not there to lick my leg as she always did everyday to remind me how much she loved me," Williams said.

"I feel so lucky to have such a special friend. Give your dog, cat, pet a big hug. Jackie Baila Pete Williams I will miss you and your memory will live forever," she added.