Q&A with Sampras

[jamauss]

I don't know if this has been posted/linked here or not, if it's a dupe, feel free to delete this thread.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/richard_deitsch/02/15/sampras.qa/index.html

 

[noeledmonds]

Thanks for that. I had not seen it before. Intersting and honest responses from Pete I think. He admits that he will be sad if his records go so soon. He contines the point about his competition being stronger. It is intersting that he thinks Federer's competition on clay is stronger though, yet he still thinks Federer will win the FO. Both players are undoubtably great, modest and reasoned champions.

 

[Steve F.]

Thanks for the link jamauss.
Very nice piece.
Pretty clear he's conflicted by the notion of playing a grass court season: on the one hand he feels he's striking the ball better now than he did when he retired (thanks to his late embrace of the available technology), and that no one is challenging Federer the way he would, especially on grass - and on the other hand, the work necessary to really be in top playing shape. I like the way he quickly noted that he only lost to Federer 7-5 in the fifth at Wimbledon. This year may be too soon, but after a season of beating up on the guys on the 30+ tour, he may change his mind.