Answer
Pete Sampras surpassed Roy Emerson's record of 12 singles majors, becoming the all-time leader with 14 Grand Slam titles. Sampras achieved this milestone by winning the 2002 US Open, his fifth US Open title and his second consecutive major victory that year. His dominance in the sport earned him the nickname "Pistol Pete" and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.