14-time Grand Slam winner Pete Sampras has been a fan of Roger Federer ever since the Swiss Maestro started putting up incredible feats on the tennis court. In an interview with Vancouver CBC Radio, the American netter reiterated one more time that Federer is still the greatest tennis player of all time.
Sampras, who shared the record with Federer as the only players to win seven Wimbledon Open championships, has no inkling of a doubt in his mind that the Federer Express remains the sport's gold standard, as statistics alone would tell how great the Swiss has been throughout his career.
"You look at the numbers of what he's been able to do, you have to say he's the greatest we've seen," Sampras said of Federer. "The statistics of doing all-around court play - he can do a lot of different things, he can come in, can stay back, and he can do everything."
Sampras also said that Federer's image as a good ambassador for the sport further enhanced his legacy as an all-time tennis legend.
"He would be a tough match-up to beat. He's a great competitive. He's been ambassador to the sport. He's done it the right way," said Sampras, who is still playing competitive tennis at 2015 PowerShares Series Champions.
Then again, Sampras warned that Federer's demise could be just around the corner, as the wear and tear of playing professional tennis for almost three decades would eventually take a tool on his 33-year old body.
"As you get older it gets tougher" Sampras said. "You're seeing that now. Roger is 33. He's been out there a number of years and you can have a bad day a little more often and that's what happened against (Andreas) Seppi (at the Australian Open.) It gets tougher. I know. I experienced it. It's just traveling and jet lag and it will wear you down. I just think you're seeing that happening with Roger."
Federer, who is still looking to win his 18th Grand Slam crown after winning his last majors at Wimbledon in 2012, is currently preparing for the clay-court season. After a solid run in 2014, Federer is off to another strong start this season with two titles (Brisbane and Dubai) and another finals appearance at the Indian Wells Open.