'Wimbledon was my home for a while and I enjoyed it. To be back there was pretty cool.'

'Roger will go on to win more than 15 majors,' Sampras added. 'I think the future of the sport is healthy.'

The American admitted that he perhaps never thought he'd see the day his mark was broken.

'When I was done, I felt I'd put up some numbers no one would touch. But little did I know Roger would surpass me in seven years,' Sampras said.

'Records are made to be broken. I believe in that. I also can't do anything about it. My days are over but I'm content with my 14 (titles).

'I'm still amazed at what Roger has been able to do. It's incredible.'

On court at the ATP event, which is part of the run-up to the US Open, Australian Chris Guccione advanced to the second round over American Kevin Kim 6-4, 6-1.

Jesse Levine beat fellow American Bobby Reynolds 6-2, 6-3, while Florida veteran Vince Spadea went down 6-0, 6-0 to Robert Kendrick in the fourth 'double bagel' this season on the ATP.

German Tommy Haas, champion in 2004 and 2006, heads the field.