With a rocket for a serve and tennis in his blood, could Taylor Dent be the next Sampras or Agassi? Kidzworld looks at one of America's next great tennis superstars.

Taylor's First Dent

Taylor Phillip Dent was born April 24, 1981 in Santa Ana, California with the sport of tennis already in his genes. Taylor's dad, Phillip Dent, is from Australia and was a top 20 ranked player during the 1970s. Phillip Dent even reached the final of the 1974 Australian Open. His mother, Betty Ann Grub, was also a top ranked tennis player during the 1970s, and she reached the doubles final of the 1977 US Open. Taylor Dent began playing tennis when he was 10 years old. Dent started playing in tournaments near his home every weekend and by the time he was 14, Taylor was traveling to tournaments across the United States.

Taylor Dent's Tennis Takes Off

Taylor Dent turned pro in 1998 when he was 17. He slowly climbed up the world rankings but didn't really make a name for himself until playing at Wimbledon in 2001. He lost in the second round to Lleyton Hewitt but recorded the fastest serve of the year at a mind-boggling 144 miles per hour. In 2002, Taylor Dent won his first ATP Tournament and joined James Blake and Andy Roddick in a group of rising, young American tennis stars. The three Americans are all good friends who hang out together when they're not trying to kick each other's butt on the tennis court.

Taylor Dent's Future?

While some are predicting Taylor Dent could be a top 10 player in the world, he still has a lot to prove. At the 2003 US Open, Taylor lost in the fourth round to a much older Andre Agassi. Taylor Dent has the serve, and bloodlines, to be a Grand Slam champion, but in the last few seasons, injuries have been getting the better of him. Dent's injuries have included a pinched nerve in his wrist (which kept him out of The 2003 US Open) and a hamstring injury at Flushing Meadows.

Taylor Dent - Did U Know?

Taylor Dent's sometimes-used nickname is Tails.

Dent's favorite athlete is Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers.

To honor his heritage, Taylor Dent has tattoos of the Australian and American flags on his arm.

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