Samprasfanz

November 20, 2007

Roger Federer, the world No1 defeated Pete Sampras, the seven-time Wimbledon champion, in straight sets in an exhibition match in Seoul. The Swiss won 6-4, 6-3 in the first of three matches this week.

Sampras, 36, retired in 2002, a year after the only previous meeting between the pair in the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2001, which the Swiss won in a five-set thriller.

But if Federer, who lifted his fourth Masters Cup title in Shanghai on Sunday, expected an easy ride he was in for a shock.

Sampras came out fighting, hitting two fierce aces in his first service game and breaking his opponent’s serve, before taking a 4-2 lead courtesy of a delightful drop shot.

Federer then took advantage of some unforced errors to break back and take the first set 6-4, before closing out the second set with a minimum of fuss.

“I feel pretty good,” Sampras said. “I made it competitive, which was my goal. Obviously Roger is the best player in the world and I retired five years ago. I am grateful that he invited me.

“I have no plans to come back from retirement. You have to come back for a reason. I just stay home and watch Roger win on television.”

Federer was equally happy with the workout. “Pete was one of my idols growing up and it’s great to play him,” he said. “It wasn’t easy for me, it wasn’t easy for him as he’s been retired five years. I am No 1 and everyone expects me to win.”

Federer won his 12th grand-slam title at the US Open in September and is closing in on Sampras’s record of 14.

The pair meet again Thursday in Kuala Lumpur before heading to Macau two days later.

Source: Times Online UK