Samprasfanz

Moscow, Oct 4: Russian Yevgeny Kafelnikov says if Pete Sampras decides to retire he will have nothing but respect for a player he regards as the “greatest ever“.

Kafelnikov, who has hinted at possible retirement himself if Russia beat France in the Davis Cup final, said: “I really envy him in the good sense of the word.“

“If he has a chance to walk away from tennis at the height of his career after winning the U.S. national championship in his own country — one of the most important tournaments there is, then yes, I can only take my hat off to him and say `you are the greatest ever to play the game and deserve all the praise for what you have done`.“

Sampras, winner of a record 14 grand slam titles, has not played since beating Andre Agassi in the final at Flushing Meadow last month, and will miss the rest of the season — a decision that has fuelled rumours of his imminent retirement.

“But if he wants to announce his retirement now only to come back in the next few months, then I really don`t know what to think of his decision,“ added the outspoken Russian.

Kafelnikov, 28, speaking after defeating Germany`s Nicolas Kiefer in Moscow on Thursday, said he now wants to “complete“ his tennis career by helping his country to a first-ever Davis Cup title later this year.