Sampras: Federer is playing better now, than 10 years ago.

mxmx · Mar 10, 2016

I like Sampras...still think hed beat Federer head to head...but I just believe he is wrong here. No way is Federer playing as good as years ago. Just no way. I vouched for Federer in some of the last grand slams he played. He tried, but was just not as good as always. He is good for the game and I dread the day he retires. He makes the game interesting to watch. Atm I vote for the underdog in matches and that to me is Federer...

SublimeTennis · Mar 10, 2016

JohanLiebert said:
"I was resigned when I saw Roger do it at Wimbledon," explained the American. "Sure, I would have loved for my 14 to last forever but it was meant to be broken.

"Roger not only passed me but he has 17 and Rafa (Nadal) has 14 and Novak (Djokovic) has 11. Literally three guys who passed me in one decade or in pretty much 15 years' time. It's incredible, I didn't see it coming."

'Big Two'

Federer's quest for an 18th is now in its fourth year. The Swiss has finished runner-up to Djokovic three times during that period, but Sampras says he is stunned Federer is still slugging it out at the top with a generation of younger players.

"With Roger I'm amazed," said Sampras. "He's 34 now, he's still ranked two, three in the world. He's competing for majors, he's still playing great tennis.

"He's almost playing better now than he did 10 ten years ago. He's improving!"

Sampras thinks the so-called "big four" has been halved, with Nadal, from Spain, and Britain's Andy Murray dropping out.

www.kitv.com/story/31423582/pete-sampras-novak-djokovic-is-one-of-the-greats-of-all-time

Does Sampras really believe that?

He didn't say he's playing better, re-read it closely.

Noelan · Mar 10, 2016

StannisTheMannis said:
look at these armchair analysts and pathetic whining fanboys thinking they know more than Pete freaking Sampras.

Nah, it's just that Chanwin ,NatF, Sabratha , tennis_pro , tennisaddict ,and other resident experts at Roger Federer fan forum that is TTW , all know better and they can see more clearly than some Pete freaking Sampras

uliks said:
Sampras, Borg, Wilander, Federer... Dementia is spreading like a virus among the legends of the game...

Mono , recetnt bias and desire to promote the game of today just added

JohanLiebert · Mar 10, 2016

SublimeTennis said:
He didn't say he's playing better, re-read it closely.

What is he saying then?

JohanLiebert · Mar 10, 2016

Sabratha said:
No. It means he's almost as good as he was. It's not even saying he IS as good as he was or better. Improvement could mean short-term improvement or even long time improvement (from 2013/2014). Nothing is covered -- it's PR talk (like usual). Maybe Pete's still bitter about getting bested by the likes of Lleyton Hewitt and Marat Safin at his very peak.

I'm almost Better than yesterday. That doesn't mean, yesterday is better than today.

NatF · Mar 10, 2016

Noelan said:
Nah, it's just that Chanwin ,NatF, Sabratha , tennis_pro , tennisaddict ,and other resident experts at Roger Federer fan forum that is TTW , all know better and they can see more clearly than some Pete freaking Sampras

Best match Sampras ever played?

RF-18 · Mar 10, 2016

Noelan said:
Nah, it's just that Chanwin ,NatF, Sabratha , tennis_pro , tennisaddict ,and other resident experts at Roger Federer fan forum that is TTW , all know better and they can see more clearly than some Pete freaking Sampras

Mono , recetnt bias and desire to promote the game of today just added

They have an agenda. That is the problem.

TTW - the real experts.

NatF · Mar 10, 2016

RF-18 said:
They have an agenda. That is the problem.

TTW - the real experts.

RF-18 · Mar 10, 2016

NatF said:

You have an answer for everything, don't you? Recency bias, promoting, shaloting etc etc

We have to listen to the real experts, especially Federer himself. Also use your eyes to watch when Fed plays.

Alien · Mar 10, 2016

I am the Greatest! said:
Make an argument with basic Science first, or file a dissertation proving that a human body improves or does not decline physically when you're at your mid 30s.

In your dreams. No general statistics will show what happens to an individual who is so out of charts, never injured and still 100% motivated.

The charge of the proof is inversed. Use some videos and measures to show us all that he is slower.

It should be the easiest thing to do and yet I have never seen such a material, here or on TV.

Noelan · Mar 10, 2016

NatF said:
Best match Sampras ever played?

Is there the book where it says which one of his matches is ?
To me , it's Ivanisevic match Wimbledon 1998

Chanwan · Mar 10, 2016

RF-18 said:
I wouldn't go against someone like Sampras. Not only him has said this.

There are indications that fed has improved.

Of course you wouldn't ND-RG/ND-12

RF-18 said:
You have an answer for everything, don't you? Recency bias, promoting, shaloting etc etc

We have to listen to the real experts, especially Federer himself. Also use your eyes to watch when Fed plays.

I believe that's exactly what we're doing. And I don't recall ever seeing Fed of 2004-2007 get his ass kicked the way Novak kicked it during the first two sets of this years AO (though Nalby did win with the same score in 2 of the WTF 2005-final, but Fed had just come of crutches a week or two before the WTF).

mxmx said:
I like Sampras...still think hed beat Federer head to head...but I just believe he is wrong here. No way is Federer playing as good as years ago. Just no way. I vouched for Federer in some of the last grand slams he played. He tried, but was just not as good as always. He is good for the game and I dread the day he retires. He makes the game interesting to watch. Atm I vote for the underdog in matches and that to me is Federer...

Depends on where they play. Fed's a massive favorite on clay, somewhat big favorite on slow HC and did beat him on grass prior to grass getting slower at a time, when Sampras was closer to his best than Fed's.
So you think Sampras would own Fed on fast HC and grass? (I think they would be fairly equal on those) Or disagree on clay and slow HC?

junior74 · Mar 10, 2016

NatF said:
Best match Sampras ever played?

Noelan said:
Is there the book where it says which one of his matches is ?
To me , it's Ivanisevic match Wimbledon 1998

Have to ask Sampras. He is the expert

NatF · Mar 10, 2016

Noelan said:
Is there the book where it says which one of his matches is ?
To me , it's Ivanisevic match Wimbledon 1998

It was a serious question. I wanted to know your opinion. No need to roll your eyes...

I was just curious because Sampras said it was the USO 2002 final, in fact he thinks in that form he would easily beat himself from 1995. So do you think you can see more clearly than Pete Sampras? Or is it ok to have a differing opinion to retired pro's?

Noelan · Mar 10, 2016

junior74 said:
Have to ask Sampras. He is the expert

You failed to undarstand the irony. Why I'm not surprised

Noelan · Mar 10, 2016

NatF said:
It was a serious question. I wanted to know your opinion. No need to roll your eyes...

I was just curious because Sampras said it was the USO 2002 final, in fact he thinks in that form he would easily beat himself from 1995. So do you think you can see more clearly than Pete Sampras? Or is it ok to have a differing opinion to retired pro's?

Well, I gave my opinion to you.
Surely he knows better than I about his matches.

You're just upset that I called you fanboy that you are

junior74 · Mar 10, 2016

Noelan said:
You failed to undarstand the irony. Why I'm not surprised

So you mean Sampras played really bad when he defended his Wimbledon title, equaling Borg? Perfect use of irony.

NatF · Mar 10, 2016

Noelan said:
Well, I gave my opinion to you.
Surely he knows better than I about his matches.

You're just upset that I called you fanboy that you are

Sure, your words cut me deeply

At least I know now that trying to have a civil discussion with you is pointless.

Maybe he does know better, but I think most analysts would disagree with him. Sampras looked exhausted at times late during that match.

sliceroni · Mar 10, 2016

Pete said he played his best at the 2002 USO, then later took it back saying his best was in the 90's. Weird...

mike danny · Mar 10, 2016

Well 10 years is a long time. Sampras may have forgotten how good Federer was 10 years ago.

He is wrong. No way would Federer lose every big match to Djokovic if he was 24. Only non-objective fanboys would say otherwise.

NatF · Mar 10, 2016

sliceroni said:
Pete said he played his best at the 2002 USO, then later took it back saying his best was in the 90's. Weird...

When did he take it back?

That interview I posted was from 2003, he was probably very proud of how he won the USO the year before (rightly so).

mike danny · Mar 10, 2016

Djokovic does not have anybody of Federer's level of 2004-2007.

mxmx · Mar 10, 2016

Chanwan said:
Of course you wouldn't ND-RG/ND-12

I believe that's exactly what we're doing. And I don't recall ever seeing Fed of 2004-2007 get his ass kicked the way Novak kicked it during the first two sets of this years AO (though Nalby did win with the same score in 2 of the WTF 2005-final, but Fed had just come of crutches a week or two before the WTF).

Depends on where they play. Fed's a massive favorite on clay, somewhat big favorite on slow HC and did beat him on grass prior to grass getting slower at a time, when Sampras was closer to his best than Fed's.
So you think Sampras would own Fed on fast HC and grass? (I think they would be fairly equal on those) Or disagree on clay and slow HC?

I believe if they played the same era that Sampras would be much like Nadal rival wise...he would beat him head to head based on their styles of play and temprament. But I also believe that Federer would have been more consistent against other opponents of Sampras' era and thus rank no1 more often. I do however believe that if they both played Sampras' era that they would both have less mayor titles due to a stronger era, as well as having to share the titles. I don't see either dominating as much if they were in the same era.
As for surfaces I only see clay as the strongest surface for Federer to have the edge, but then again the claycourters were stronger in the 90s so perhaps Sampras was better on clay than what stats may say. To me their styles of play and temprament will be the biggest reason for who wins...not surfaces, strings or rackets.

sliceroni · Mar 10, 2016

NatF said:
When did he take it back?

That interview I posted was from 2003, he was probably very proud of how he won the USO the year before (rightly so).

In post match interview after playing JMac in a masters match. Looking for it on youtube.

Chanwan · Mar 10, 2016

mxmx said:
I believe if they played the same era that Sampras would be much like Nadal rival wise...he would beat him head to head based on their styles of play and temprament. But I also believe that Federer would have been more consistent against other opponents of Sampras' era and thus rank no1 more often. I do however believe that if they both played Sampras' era that they would both have less mayor titles due to a stronger era, as well as having to share the titles. I don't see either dominating as much if they were in the same era.
As for surfaces I only see clay as the strongest surface for Federer to have the edge, but then again the claycourters were stronger in the 90s so perhaps Sampras was better on clay than what stats may say. To me their styles of play and temprament will be the biggest reason for who wins...not surfaces, strings or rackets.

Cheers for the answer. But why do you think Sampras' style would be so difficult for Fed? Nadal's difficult for obvious reasons - can't say the same for Fed. Plus Sampras would have trouble with a guy having more or less as strong a hold game as himself.
Mentally, Sampras is obviously a beast, but Fed's mental problems vs. Rafa imo stems from the match up problem. I just don't see it as a match up problem vs. Sampras, but am all ears if you have good reasons as to why it would be.
As far as titles, of course.
Throw peak Fed and Rafa in the mix now and Novak's winning less. Throw peak Djoko and Rafa in in Fed's peak years and he wins less. Same with Sampras. That's what ATG's do to one another if they play their best at the same time (whereas having Fed for Novak now is a win-win. He never beats him in the biggest matches, but he's still beating "Federer", so his slams are presumably won vs. "tough" opposition).

NatF · Mar 10, 2016

sliceroni said:
In post match interview after playing JMac in a masters match. Looking for it on youtube.

I hope you find it.

abmk · Mar 10, 2016

RF-18 said:
They have an agenda. That is the problem.

TTW - the real experts.

Said the guy whose sole agenda here is to prop up djokovic at any cost.

RF-18 · Mar 10, 2016

Chanwan said:
Of course you wouldn't ND-RG/ND-12

I believe that's exactly what we're doing. And I don't recall ever seeing Fed of 2004-2007 get his ass kicked the way Novak kicked it during the first two sets of this years AO (though Nalby did win with the same score in 2 of the WTF 2005-final, but Fed had just come of crutches a week or two before the WTF).

Depends on where they play. Fed's a massive favorite on clay, somewhat big favorite on slow HC and did beat him on grass prior to grass getting slower at a time, when Sampras was closer to his best than Fed's.
So you think Sampras would own Fed on fast HC and grass? (I think they would be fairly equal on those) Or disagree on clay and slow HC?

No because I don't think you are fully invested in this matter. You guys are blinded. The fact that like one or two matches is the difference to why you people think this fed is so far away is what is sickening.

If fed won Wimbledon or/and USO, wich he was one match away of doing, you guys would then have it on paper to claim that fed indeed showed glimpses of his best or even better. Instead he lost, so in your minds because he did that, you can't admit his level because if you do that, you'd Question how then fed could of won so many slams back in the day if that version was as good as this or even worse.

So don't talk crap. If fed won those finals the whole talk would be different in your minds.

You guys clearly have an agenda.

tennisaddict · Mar 10, 2016

Pete is 45 now. His tennis obviously has regressed. That makes it look Fed's level in relative terms as insane as compared to the gap between them in year 2005.

It is that simple.

Serve&Bash · Mar 10, 2016

The recent posting of Federer's matches from Wimbledon 2006 reminded me how stupid it is to actually believe Federer is better now than he was at 24-25. The explosiveness and lively movement just jumps right out at you.

I am the Greatest! · Mar 10, 2016

Alien said:
No general statistics will show what happens to an individual who is so out of charts, never injured and still 100% motivated.

The charge of the proof is inversed. Use some videos and measures to show us all that he is slower.

It should be the easiest thing to do and yet I have never seen such a material, here or on TV.

Videos are more than enough, if you're saying that I should watch videos. I mean, you have all the proof. Basic Science is there also. Science has already proven, which means it has more than a thousand statistics, that your body will never be the same physically when you age. You decline, get slower, heavier, etc. That's basic Science. Are you trying to disprove Science?

I am the Greatest! · Mar 10, 2016

90's Clay said:
2005-2006 there wasn't anyone on Nole's level of the last year to compete with

I'll repeat what @mike danny said, 'Djokovic does not have anybody of Federer's level of 2004-2007 last year or even 2014'.

Alien · Mar 10, 2016

I am the Greatest! said:
Videos are more than enough, if you're saying that I should watch videos. I mean, you have all the proof. Basic Science is there also. Science has already proven, which means it has more than a thousand statistics, that your body will never be the same physically when you age. You decline, get slower, heavier, etc. That's basic Science. Are you trying to disprove Science?

Kindly show us the videos and speed measures of Federer running or his footwork that represent what you are saying.

That is science.

Thanks.

swordtennis · Mar 10, 2016

The great pete sampras said Federer is playing ALMOST as good as when he was younger. Fair balanced astute succinct and logical analysis from one of the most logical calming players of all time. Thank you pete for being you.

Russeljones · Mar 10, 2016

Science

Alien · Mar 10, 2016

Russeljones said:
Science

That is just a video of things he certainly keeps doing. As far from science as alchemy.

Russeljones · Mar 10, 2016

Alien said:
That is just a video of things he certainly keeps doing..

Further proof you are divorced from reality.

djokerer · Mar 10, 2016

And Djoker is trashing him left and right.

mule250 · Mar 10, 2016

Not sure if anyone mentioned this as I didn't read the entire thread, but when a native English speaker says almost like that, it's generally an exaggeration. Like someone saying "Oh man, I almost died yesterday!"

Deleted member 744633 · Mar 10, 2016

LOL! Tennis bhai will like you very much

abmk said:
I have one word in Hindi that aptly describes that people who actually think federer is playing better now than 10 years ago - chutiya

Deleted member 744633 · Mar 10, 2016

Agree 100%. Of all great grass champions I seen, his game best game for grass.

swordtennis said:
The Greatest Wimbledon champion of all time. For gods sake Pete was so awesome. Grass beast.

Deleted member 744633 · Mar 10, 2016

Guys, please slow and calm. Yes I told Djokovic beating old man Federer again and again, that true and is a fact. I am not criticize Djokovic when I say he beat old man because I also say ... If both Djokovic and Federer prime at same time, Djokovic will easily match Federer. That also fact. OK, thank you.

abmk · Mar 10, 2016

Noelan said:
Is there the book where it says which one of his matches is ?
To me , it's Ivanisevic match Wimbledon 1998

The Ivanisevic wimbledon 98 match was arguably his worst final at wimbledon ( apart from maybe the rafter final in 00 ) ...he was better vs courier in 93, goran in 94, becker in 95, pioline in 97, agassi in 99 ...

that's not considering the other matches like vs becker in the SF in 93, vs stich in QF in 92 etc etc ...

abmk · Mar 10, 2016

Serve&Bash said:
The recent posting of Federer's matches from Wimbledon 2006 reminded me how stupid it is to actually believe Federer is better now than he was at 24-25. The explosiveness and lively movement just jumps right out at you.

its so obvious. Yet so many are in denial.

Urkezi · Mar 10, 2016

Alien said:
Kindly show us the videos and speed measures of Federer running or his footwork that represent what you are saying.
That is science.
Thanks.

Wait. You really are saying that you can't see the difference in Roger's footwork from 10 years ago and now? You need "science" to believe the guy has slowed down?

Steve0904 · Mar 10, 2016

Serve&Bash said:
The recent posting of Federer's matches from Wimbledon 2006 reminded me how stupid it is to actually believe Federer is better now than he was at 24-25. The explosiveness and lively movement just jumps right out at you.

That's the first thing that jumps out at me every time I watch one of his matches from that time period, too. I think the last time he had it was 2012. It's gone for good now.

SoBad · Mar 10, 2016

kishnabe said:
Sampras said the same thing in his worst year of tennis.

Djokovic will say the same....in his 30's.....bs

Even 2015 he said is the best when...everyone knows he played at a higher level in 2011.

2011 was Nadal gap year. Aso, Stakhovksy, Donskoy, Berankis were all slump. Possibly weakest year of the modern era so far.

SoBad · Mar 10, 2016

kishnabe said:
Sampras said the same thing in his worst year of tennis.

Djokovic will say the same....in his 30's.....bs

Even 2015 he said is the best when...everyone knows he played at a higher level in 2011.

Sampras didn't get to play the Roddick/Gonzalez/Baghadtis types in slam finals. He had to face all time greats all the time.

Alien · Mar 10, 2016

Urkezi said:
Wait. You really are saying that you can't see the difference in Roger's footwork from 10 years ago and now? You need "science" to believe the guy has slowed down?

Of course. If it is then it is not percepted by the eye because it would be fractions of a second, so it needs to be measured. If it was percetible by the eye, then he would be 100 in the rankings instead of 2 or 3.

All you see is that he is slow, because you have already concluded that at 35 he must be slow, and that he would never lose to another player like Djokovic unless he is slow and old. Once you have that idea, you approach videos.

Science of course would indicate that in 10 years tennis evolves to another level. Which confirms what players have been saying of course. Science would also indicate that in the absence of injuries or halting training, 34 doesnt guarantee anything and 10 years of more practise and competition with other beasts like Nole and Rafa, in any case would overcompensate for any fraction of a second if it ever exists (and again it doesnt unless someone measures it).

swordtennis · Mar 10, 2016

Been reviewing Pete matches over the past month. Been awhile. What a beast. An American sporting icon along with AA. He is unappreciated and I will never forget how great Pete was. After federer broke his record and then Nadal tied he has been virtually swept under the carpet. I will have none of that.
Djokovic is a beast. Federer was never able to stand up against Nadal like Djokovic has.
Djokovic is just cementing his legacy now.
Pete Sampras was Djokovic's sporting hero when he was growing up. All he wanted to do was win Wimbledon. And to think he might end with 3 or more. I see 4 or 5. Will be his Valhalla when he hits his 30's.

Sampras: Federer is playing better now, than 10 years ago.

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