Answer
Pete Sampras, the legendary American tennis player, was the formidable opponent Hewitt defeated to clinch his maiden US Open title in 2001. Sampras, a seven-time Wimbledon champion and Then World No. 1, posed a significant challenge for Hewitt. However, the Australian displayed exceptional skill and determination, ultimately triumphing over Sampras in a fiercely contested final, etching his name into the annals of tennis history.