Pete loses again but the Pistol still has bullets
It’s a shame for Pete Sampras that his exhibition series with Roger Federer ends on Saturday.
Sampras is just starting to warm up.
Federer won match two of the Clash Of The Times series 7-6, 7-6 in Kuala Lumpur, to clinch the series and maintain a record that shows he hasn’t lost a set.
Unlike the opening match, where the Swiss master made Sampras look old at times, the 14-time Grand Slam champion held his own against the 26-year old, holding his serve to a tie-break in the first set, before drawing a ripping forehand winner from Federer at 6-6 in the breaker. A backhand volley on the next point closed the set out.
It was a compliment. Federer only reserves such brilliance for times of need.
Most opponents would wither after going the distance in the opening set with Federer only to lose it.
Sampras kept coming.
The old Pete was back, at least on serve. While Federer toyed with the serves of Roddick, Ferrer and Nadal only a week ago, Sampras was rock solid. At times, his returns were a journey to the glory days as well.
The second set also went to a tie break, with Federer again finding what he needed to, closing it out 7 points to 5.
“He played some unbelievable shots, but then again he is capable of doing that. He had an incredible serve which was so difficult to read tonight,” Federer said.
“I think if he was still playing he would be a top five player.”
The competitive nature that Sampras possesses demanded he was disappointed with losing, despite his encouraging performance, five years out of retirement. Once again he batted off suggestions he could still be a force on the ATP Tour.
“It’s a tough lifestyle and I’m happy with a great wife and great two kids relaxing in Los Angeles,” Sampras said.
The final match is in Macau on Saturday.
Subscribe to The Serve by Email
No comments yet.