Sampras and Federer vs Nadal and Greatness

[McEnroeisanartist]

I am sure it has been brought up several times, but I don't think we can evaluate the greatness and career legacy of Federer based upon his head to head rivalry with Nadal.

During Federer's prime, 2004-2009, Federer lost to 5 different opponents in grand slam competition, including Nadal in six matches.

Compare that to Sampras's prime - 1993-1998, who lost to a staggering 14 different opponents, but never lost to the same opponent more than once during that period.

Better for Federer to lose to less players, including a Tier 1 great in the making so many times, then so many weak *** players that Sampras did.

 

[Forehand Of Doom]

I am sure it has been brought up several times, but I don't think we can evaluate the greatness and career legacy of Federer based upon his head to head rivalry with Nadal.

During Federer's prime, 2004-2009, Federer lost to 5 different opponents in grand slam competition, including Nadal in six matches.

Compare that to Sampras's prime - 1993-1998, who lost to a staggering 14 different opponents, but never lost to the same opponent more than once during that period.

Better for Federer to lose to less players, including a Tier 1 great in the making so many times, then so many weak *** players that Sampras did.

On the other hand, the fact that Sampras never lost to 1 person more than once can mean that Sampras was a fast learner and never let anybody own him.

 

[NatF]

On the other hand, the fact that Sampras never lost to 1 person more than once can mean that Sampras was a fast learner and never let anybody own him.

He never played someone on the level of Nadal (apart from Federer in 2001 ). I doubt he could learn how to beat Nadal on clay.

 

[Forehand Of Doom]

He never played someone on the level of Nadal (apart from Federer in 2001 ). I doubt he could learn how to beat Nadal on clay.

Well, actually I can agree on this point. Nobody would expect Sampras (notably a very lackluster clay court player) to beat the clay GOAT.

 

[mike danny]

On the other hand, the fact that Sampras never lost to 1 person more than once can mean that Sampras was a fast learner and never let anybody own him.

Or it takes one of the best of all time to beat Federer while it takes less to beat sampras

 

[Forehand Of Doom]

Or it takes one of the best of all time to beat Federer while it takes less to beat sampras

On clay? I agree completely.

Hard and grass, it's a different story.

 

[mike danny]

On clay? I agree completely.

Hard and grass, it's a different story.

Tell that to Izaga

 

[McEnroeisanartist]

Tell that to Izaga

as well as, Phillippoussis, Kucera