By Kim Douglass

(December 8, 2010) Police want to question a “person of interest” in the theft of legendary tennis player Pete Sampras’ trophy collection and other memorabilia from a West Los Angeles storage unit.

Occurring nearly a month ago, Lt. Robert Edgar, who supervises a Special Burglary Section at Los Angeles Police headquarters, told CNN that the facility “was a very highly secure storage center." He declined to go any further with details.

Amongst the items stolen, it’s been reported that Sampras allegedly lost 64 championship trophies, including those marking his first Australian Open cup, five season-ending ATP World Tour titles, two Davis Cup wins, and an Olympic ring. The theft also included an autographed piano bench from Elton John and a signed guitar from Carlos Santana.

The reasoning for the items even being in storage come as the result of Sampras, his wife, actress Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, and their two sons’ recent move from their Thousand Oaks, California, estate to Brentwood.

"We've had some housing issues and we stored things while we were sorting that out," said the retired champion to the Los Angeles Times. "I was like, 'What?' I thought there were security cameras. I thought these things were locked up tight. I was shocked."

Sampras said what was most upsetting about the loss is not being able to share his accomplishments with his children.

"I'm not one to gloat about trophies, or show them off," Sampras said. "I've never been like that. I just want them for my kids to see. They didn't see me play, but I'd like them to see these things.”

He added, "Losing this stuff is like having the history of my tennis life taken away."

Another blow to the 6 time Espy winner is that the stolen items were not insured, because it was not possible to assess their value.

"For me to have it for my kids is priceless…I just hope it hasn't already been destroyed. That's why I wanted to get the word out now. I know this is a long shot, but I'd regret it if I didn't at least try. Maybe somebody knows something. That's all I can hope for."

Coming to his aid, friend Justin Gimelstob tweeted out asking that anyone with information on the missing memorabilia come forward.

The 39-year-old ended his tennis career in 2003, at which time he was the men's all- time leader holding 14 major titles. He has since been surpassed by Roger Federer, who owns 16.