Third time the charm as Sampras wins in straight sets
Associated Press
MACAU — Pete Sampras showed Roger Federer another side of his American idol on Saturday.
Sampras never faced a break point and converted one of two against his opponent as he handed Federer a 7-6 (8), 6-4 defeat at the Venetian Macao arena, wrapping up a three-match Asian exhibition series between the two tennis greats.
Sampras downplayed his victory, noting Federer was coming off a long season and that he was helped by his big serve and the fast indoor carpet surface. He had only aimed to win one set during the three-match series.
“Let’s not get carried away,” he said at a news conference.
Sampras ruled out a comeback from retirement, telling the audience after the match, “I had my time in the 90s.”
Federer tried to put on a positive spin on the loss, saying he wasn’t embarrassed to lose to his idol, but still showed some disappointment.
“It’s been tough beating my idol the last two times. I’m happy that he got me at least once,” he said, but adding, “I hope we can do it again in the future. I’d like to get him back.”
The two players have won a combined 26 Grand Slam titles, but Sampras, 36, retired five years ago after winning the U.S. Open in 2002.
Twenty six-year-old Federer is fresh from another stellar season as he won three Slams and last week’s Masters Cup in Shanghai in compiling a 68-9 winning record.
“I’m sort of surprised. This guy can play tennis, you know,” the Swiss player said after his loss Saturday.
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Both are great players and they will be remembered in history. However, comparing them to Pancho Gonzales is impossible. The latter is the most talented tennis player ever born
In terms of artistry, I enjoy watching Federer much more. He does such impressive things in all parts of his play and makes incredible shots consistently. Sampras used to demolish his opponents with his big serve and there were fewer opportunities to see extended rallies in his matches.
In my opinion the two greatest players in tennis were Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe. They also played with wood rackets and not these gimmick metal ones that double the speed of the shots!
Isn’t Sampras something special?
McEnroe, Sampras, Federer — they have a complete game and multiple weapons. That’s why they are the best.
I hear Billy Jean King can clean her female opponents carpets pretty good. Does Sampras have similar abilities?