July 5, 2009
Wimbledon 2009: Pete Sampras makes flying visit to see history in the making
By Andrew Baker
"Thanks for coming," said Roger Federer to Pete Sampras.
It is likely that Sampras, who gave a friendly wave goodbye to his grand-slam record,
felt that the journey was worthwhile.
He, and all the others privileged to have been on Centre Court, witnessed a match that surpassed even last year's Wimbledon final for drama and quality.
Having belaboured each other throughout a final that rewrote the records for number of games, not to mention sustained aggression, Federer and Roddick then tried to outdo each other in the contest for most gentlemanly post-match interview.
The Swiss maestro thanked Sampras for flying over to watch his record of all-time grand slam wins be eclipsed. Roddick then chipped in with an apology to "Pistol Pete" for his inability to defend his countryman's honour.
"Sorry Pete," Roddick said. "I tried. I tried to hold him off, and it was a pleasure playing here in front of great champions. I still hope one day my name will be up there as a winner of this tournament."
The Nebraskan said that he considered himself fortunate to play in front of the Wimbledon crowd. "I'm one of the lucky few who get cheered, so thank you for that," he said to warm applause. "I want to say congratulations to Roger. He is a true champion, he deserves everything he gets, well done Roger."
Federer noted that Roddick had played "an unbelievable tournament. Don't be too sad," he counselled. "I went through some rough ones as well. This is only one final but I know it hurts. Andy is going to come back and win. In tennis, there has to be a winner and today I was on the lucky side."
Federer was quick to reassure his fans that the combination of a 15th grand-slam title and impending fatherhood did not signify that his retirement might be imminent.
"It doesn't mean I'll stop playing tennis," Federer said. "I hope to come back here and play tennis in the future. This year is just crazy. Things didn't look so good when I lost in the Australian Open final, but to come through and win Paris and Wimbledon back to back --- it's amazing."
Sampras, who remained admirably impassive in the grandstand although he must have been willing Roddick to stand up for both his record and the national honour, expressed his admiration for both players.
"It was a great match," Sampras said. "But a tough one for Andy to lose. He played well enough to win it, and he didn't really lose it, Roger beat him."
Sampras had to arrange some last-minute babysitting as he only decided to travel at the last moment. "I only decided to come over on Saturday, after the semi-finals," he said. "My parents are watching the kids. It was a big effort, but it was worth it. It was a great moment for the sport."
July 6, 2009
Sampras --- Federer is the best
Pete Sampras hailed Roger Federer as the greatest player ever after the Swiss star won a record 15th grand slam title.
"I think you have to give it to him," said Sampras, who had shared the record of 14 titles following Federer's French Open triumph last month.
"The critics say (Rod) Laver, and (Rafael) Nadal's beaten him a few times in majors. But he's won all the majors, he's won 15 now, he's going to win a few more. In my book he is (the greatest)."
Federer saved four set points in the second-set tie-breaker and eventually beat Andy Roddick 5-7 7-6 7-6 3-6 16-14 to win a sixth Wimbledon crown on Centre Court.
"It was tremendous," added Sampras, who flew in from California to watch the match from the Royal Box. "Andy played great and had his chance, he was up a set and 6-2 in the breaker and missed a few (shots) but Roger is a great champion."
"He fought hard, the fifth set was great tennis. It was fun to watch, it was an epic."
Sampras insisted he was happy to see Federer claim the record outright, adding on BBC1: "Roger is a friend, a great player, he's a good guy. He's got 15 now, he could 17, 18 majors when it's all done."
"He's only 27 and he'll contend here for many years, at the US Open, at all the majors, so if he just keeps it going and stays healthy he could go to 18 or 19."
"He's a great guy, he's humble, which I like. He's sort of effortless. It doesn't seem like he's working that hard out there. He just plays at that level so easily. He serves big, he's got a great forehand, his backhand is solid, he's got everything."
"He's got the belief. He's a legend, an icon. He's got 15 majors, that's a lot of work. He's a credit to the game. He's smooth, he's a great athlete."
"I feel bad for Andy, I really do. He was distraught. He's upset, this was his chance, he came up short but Roger, the great ones at the end, he just had a little bit more."
Laver was also on Centre Court to watch the match and added: "There was some unbelievable tennis, especially that fifth set, there were more winners than errors and the serving ability of both of them was incredible."
"Roger is one of those people that keeps the ball in play and he comes up with some miraculous forehands and backhands."
"Andy is always a threat because he has that huge serve but he probably got a little tired at the very end. A few mis-hits and a couple of bad bounces and you're in trouble."
Bjorn Borg believes Federer can go on to win even more grand slams, adding: "Right now he has 15, for sure he's going to play at least another three years and I think the key thing is to stay away from injuries."
"If you stay healthy I think he can win quite a few more grand slams. He is still eager to win, every time he walks on the court he is very professional. He gives 100 percent every time he plays so you are going to see him in many more finals."