Federer can emulate me - Sampras
Last Updated: Wednesday, 1 December, 2004, 17:45 GMT
Federer can emulate me - Sampras
Former world number one Pete Sampras has backed Roger Federer to match his long
period of domination in tennis.
Before retiring last year, Sampras won 14 Grand Slams and was world number one
for a record six straight years.
"I think he can dominate tennis for as long as I did," Sampras told French news
paper L'Equipe.
"He can have an off day in a big tournament and be surprised but over the whole
season, he is head and shoulders above the others."
Federer's momentous year
Federer compiled a stunning record in 2004, winning three of four Grand Slams,
collecting 11 titles and losing only six matches.
The 23-year-old's style of play has drawn comparisons with Sampras, and the Ame
rican agreed there are similarities between the duo.
"We have the same temperament and like me, he makes playing look easy," he said
.
"He can do just about anything he wants with a racquet and he dominates everybo
dy as I did several years before."
Federer is yet to win the French Open, and Sampras admitted that failing to tri
umph at Roland Garros was the only regret of his career.
"I regret that I never tried out a racquet with a bigger head at Roland Garros,
" he added.
"My racquet was almost like one of the old wooden ones - it was heavy and stiff
. It took a lot of effort to make the ball move on clay.
"But I was really used to it and I never dared (change). I was too stubborn. I
was scared of losing control, that it would take me too long to master it."
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