As far as men's tennis is concerned, the 1990s belonged to one person - Pete Sampras. During that decade the American won 12 Grand Slam titles, as well as the Davis Cup on two occasions.

He also lifted the ATP World Tour Finals title five times, the last of which happened 16 years ago today in somewhat surprising circumstances.

While Sampras had been the dominant force for most of the 90s, the year of 1999 was a struggle. He had been plagued by injuries which meant that he did not win a Grand Slam, yet he was still able to qualify for the season-ending event as the fifth seed.

Sampras finished second in the group stages, having been defeated by world number one Andre Agassi in straight sets. Agassi headed into the tournament in top form, having won both the French and US Opens and he was the favourite to triumph when both players met in the final.

However, Sampras showed that he was still the man to beat with a vintage display that left his fellow countryman no chance.

The first set was wrapped up in a mere 27 minutes and although Agassi opened up a 3-0 lead in the second set, Sampras rallied to win seven of the next nine games.

The writing was on the wall for the 1990 champion when he dropped serve in the opening game of the third set, which was concluded with a Sampras ace and sealed a 6-1 7-5 6-4 for the 28-year-old in one hour and 46 minutes.

"It's been a tough week, but I played very well today. I was able to play on a very high level," the winner told reporters after his triumph.

"I wanted to prove that I still have it. I was very pumped up, ready to go. It was a big match and I've always believed in myself, that I can rise to the occasion."

Meanwhile, the defeated Agassi added: "It was a bad day to be flat. I was really unhappy with the way I played. I was frustrated with the rhythm of the match, he was changing pace."

The win was Sampras's fourth in the previous five encounters between the duo and also extended his overall record against Las Vegas-born Agassi to 17-11.