Pete Sampras Is Impressed With Roger Federer’s Longevity

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 21st February 2014

Pete Sampras Is Impressed With Roger Federer’s Longevity

epa04049687 Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates after beating Ilija Bozoljac of Serbia during the first round Davis Cup World Group match between Serbia and Switzerland at the Spens Sport Center, in Novi Sad, Serbia, 31 January 2014. EPA/SALVATORE DI NOLFI |

After slumping off into retirement at age 32 with a severe case of burnout, often-downbeat Pete Sampras is shocked that Roger Federer is still keen and eager and planning for his next few ATP seasons at age 32.

Sampras, whose life of leisure now revolves around California golf and the occasional hit-and-giggle tennis payday, believes that Federer has the chance to win his 18th grand slam event title and add to his huge list of records.

“I’m amazed that he is up for more tennis, he’s done everything in the game and he could walk away tomorrow feeling great about it,” said Sampras, who quit the sport abruptly after winning the 2002 US Open, glad to get as far away from the courts as possible and sick of the worldwide travel which he came to detest. “But he still wants to travel and compete and I’m in awe of it. He is a true lover of the sport.”

Sampras can occasionally be lured to pick up a racket by the scent of a hefty check, which likely forms part of his package at the grandly named World Tennis Day exhibition he will play against Andre Agassi in London in just over a week.

Instead of rolling over after a poor 2013 season, Federer responded with intense December training and the hiring of Swedish legend Stefan Edberg as one of his coaches. That partnership has already reaped an Australian Open semi-final.

Sampras said that Federer, holder of a record 17 grand slam event singles titles, has the chance to add to that total. “That’s why he’s playing, I don’t think he’s playing for anything else but to win some more majors. “As long as Roger is enjoying it and he’s healthy, I can see him playing for another two, three, four more years.”

Topics: 10sballs, Andre Agassi, Atp, Australian Open, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, Sports, Stefan Edberg, Tennis, Tennis News

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10sBalls_com says:

February 21, 2014 at 8:32 am

Pete Sampras Is Impressed With Roger Federer’s Longevity – http://t.co/sJJMTPMlnj @PeteSampras @rogerfederer #tennis #news
apozoingconstc says:

February 21, 2014 at 9:29 am

RT @FedererUpdate: Pete Sampras Is Impressed With Roger Federer’s Longevity http://t.co/0Xl5OJAf3Y