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Pete Sampras pays tribute to departing Roger Federer

Pete Sampras pays tribute to departing Roger Federer

Pete Sampras pays tribute to departing Roger Federer

Pete Sampras (L) and Roger Federer (R)

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  • Pete Sampras was defeated by Roger Federer in the fourth round of Wimbledon 2001.
  • The 14-time Grand Slam champion had won four consecutive Wimbledon titles prior to that match.
  • 20 years later, Federer would go on to win 20 Grand Slam titles and remain world number one for years.
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Pete Sampras, the 14-time Grand Slam champion whose Wimbledon reign was halted by Roger Federer in 2001, paid homage to the Swiss great on Thursday via social media.

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion and one of the greatest players in history, will make his final appearance at the Laver Cup in London on Friday before retiring.

Sampras used the opportunity to recall their sole meeting, which occurred in the fourth round of the All England Club when Federer, then 19 years old, defeated him.

Sampras stated in a video addressed directly to Federer, “Not really sure where to begin, so I’ll just start from the very beginning.”

“When I first played you, you were 19 years old, an up-and-coming player and people were talking about you.

“And we had a great battle on the Centre Court of Wimbledon. And you took me down.

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“Tough five-setter,” said Sampras, who had won four consecutive Wimbledon championships to increase his total to seven. And I just remember walking off the court, feeling like I met my match.”

Sampras would win one more Grand Slam championship in 2002 at the US Open before retiring. Over the following two decades, he seen Federer’s career flourish.

Sampras referred to Federer as a “truly a special player” and stated he had no idea that 20 years later, Federer would have 20 major titles, stay number one for years, and dominate the sport.

Sampras praised Federer’s commitment, stating that his renowned fluidity masked the arduous labour that produced it.

“You’re going to be missed in our game,” Sampras said.

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