Posted on: October 04th, 2002
Kafelnikov: Sampras `greatest ever`
- petepageMoscow, 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.
Recent Headlines
April 01, 2012
November 20, 2011
October 29, 2011
October 01, 2011
July 13, 2011
- "Li Na and Friends" to square off with Sampras and others at two-day tennis event in Wuhan - petepage
June 18, 2011
May 04, 2011
Back to News