Sampras Vs. Federer Exhibition:Neccessary?

[alwaysatnet]

On March 10,2008 Pete Sampras and Roger Federer will play an exhibition in Madison Square Garden. That's after three exhibitions later this year in Asia.
Obviously there is a lot of money in it for the two of them. But,besides that, what's in it for Pete?
What can we expect from seeing a past his prime Pete against a top of his game Roger? Of course Pete will be playing with lessened expectations so in a sense just playing well is a sort of victory. But is Pete's champion's ego biting off more than Pete the player can deliver?

 

[Dan007]

Sampras is just being cocky. That fools been retired for 5 years and he still think he prove something by playing Fed.

 

[er00si]

Let Sampras serve all the games. See whether he can beat Federer.

 

[quest01]

I hope these matches are televised.

 

[stormholloway]

People demanded it so it's happening. It's good entertainment. Enjoy it.

 

[federerfanatic]

It is crass entertainment. Similar to that silly Nadal-Federer half clay/half grass match. Tennis is struggling with popularity so they are desperate enough to make up these silly exhibitions with increasingly regularity.

 

[daddy]

Tennis is tennis. Onmce a chapm, always a champ. He would have kept on trying until he dies if you ask me. Reason why are those held - fun and MONEY> why sampras does it - to prove a point. Why fed does it ? DOnt know.

 

[daddy]

It is crass entertainment. Similar to that silly Nadal-Federer half clay/half grass match. Tennis is struggling with popularity so they are desperate enough to make up these silly exhibitions with increasingly regularity.

Tennis will not struggle once djoko is nr1.

 

[BeHappy]

sampras will definitely lose, he will be 37 years old

 

[daddy]

sampras will definitely lose, he will be 37 years old

I bet hell pistol one forehand around the net for a clear winner and remember that for the rest of his life .. LOL ! So what, hell have fun.

 

[AAAA]

It's Pete's way to distract Federer from winning more slams.

 

[daddy]

It's Pete's way to distract Federer from winning more slams.

What do you think, will he make it ? Maybe hell install a hole on one side of the coart and mark it so he could avoid it and let federer to fall into it and injure himself ..

 

[BeHappy]

haha, if Sampras won and federer went on to win 3 slams during the rest of the summer it would really devalue the slams wouldn't it.

 

[VGP]

Tennis is tennis. Onmce a chapm, always a champ. He would have kept on trying until he dies if you ask me. Reason why are those held - fun and MONEY> why sampras does it - to prove a point. Why fed does it ? DOnt know.

I'm sure Sampras wants to see "what it feels like" and to see if he's still got game. As for Federer, who wouldn't want to play their hero growing up (and beating them again and again)?

 

[daddy]

I'm sure Sampras wants to see "what it feels like" and to see if he's still got game. As for Federer, who wouldn't want to play their hero growing up (and beating them again and again)?

Yep but Fed is beggining to show this side of his, you know the hidde one until now. He was not so exposed before, this is why I did not know his reasons. Nor I know them now. I would like to play my hero but not when he is old to be a veteran ..

 

[natasha_nana]

yet another exhibition is not necessary after the 3 in Asia...but I expect this particular one has a major $$$ pull.

 

[caulcano]

haha, if Sampras won and federer went on to win 3 slams during the rest of the summer it would really devalue the slams wouldn't it.

Not really.

An exho doesn't mean s***.

 

[stoneagle]

i think pete wants to show pro players how to beat fed
with serve and attacking volley, and hoping somebody
might get an idea how to beat and take away feds time.

 

[tennispro11]

On March 10,2008 Pete Sampras and Roger Federer will play an exhibition in Madison Square Garden. That's after three exhibitions later this year in Asia.
Obviously there is a lot of money in it for the two of them. But,besides that, what's in it for Pete?
What can we expect from seeing a past his prime Pete against a top of his game Roger? Of course Pete will be playing with lessened expectations so in a sense just playing well is a sort of victory. But is Pete's champion's ego biting off more than Pete the player can deliver?

I don't think it's Pete's ego. I think they are trying to do more for tennis. I think it will help get people involved in the game.

 

[tennispro11]

i think pete wants to show pro players how to beat fed
with serve and attacking volley, and hoping somebody
might get an idea how to beat and take away feds time.

Nobody has the talent to do what you just said. Not even Sampras when he was still playing. You might take Fed's time away but he will beat you when you come to net. He loves hard, fast, low balls hit at him. So you theory just won't work, IMO.

 

[Moose Malloy]

I don't think it's Pete's ego. I think they are trying to do more for tennis.

If they paid Fed or Pete enough, they would play you. Let's not make this out to be more than it is, which is just an opportunity to make major $$$. They aren't doing this for charity.

 

[hoosierbr]

It seems to me that its part fun/money and part competition. Fed getting a chance to silence people that keep saying Pete's the GOAT and Pete getting a chance to work his ego a bit by playing Fed at his best when Pete clearly isn't. Not sure what Sampras wishes to accomplish on that score but for the amount of money it must have cost to set this up who cares?

If they paid me a fraction of what they paid these two to play one of them knowing I'd lose 0 and 0 without either one of them trying too much I'd take it any day, humiliation and all!

 

[tennispro11]

If they paid Fed or Pete enough, they would play you. Let's not make this out to be more than it is, which is just an opportunity to make major $$$. They aren't doing this for charity.

Well ok then. It's all just for money and has nothing to do with helping tennis. My bad.

 

[Z-Man]

Maybe Pete wishes he had done more to promote the popularity of tennis. This is his chance. And then of course, there is the $$$.

 

[2 Cent]

if there's any dream match to watch... it's Sampras VS Federer. and having an exhibition is the closest thing we have of seeing that dream match today.
granted, Sampras hasn't played competitively for about 5 years. he's been practicing again over the past year. he won't be in prime condition, but he'd still be good enough to kick some of the guys asses on the tour today.

so, the match is not necessary. but a lot of people would love to see it.

 

[daddy]

if there's any dream match to watch... it's Sampras VS Federer. and having an exhibition is the closest thing we have of seeing that dream match today.
granted, Sampras hasn't played competitively for about 5 years. he's been practicing again over the past year. he won't be in prime condition, but he'd still be good enough to kick some of the guys asses on the tour today.

so, the match is not necessary. but a lot of people would love to see it.

My 2 cents

 

[35ft6]

It's win win for Sampras. Everybody expects him to lose, no biggie. If he even gets a few games, which Fed will definitely allow, the Sampras fans can say "just imagine what he could have done in his prime!!!"

 

[CashDudeHomie]

I'm pretty sure Sampras lost an exhibition earlier this year to Robbie Ginepri, and we all know how good he is.

It's a shame I didn't get into tennis until after Sampras retired.

These exhibitions should be fun to watch anyway. Hopefully they will get some non-tennis fans to notice the sport. And Fed and Pete can make some extra $$$

 

[Eviscerator]

Let Sampras serve all the games. See whether he can beat Federer.

I have not seen Sampras serve in recent years, but if he were given the serve every game, I'd expect him to win most games, especially on a fast indoor surface.

 

[koopa_troopa]

It's win win for Sampras. Everybody expects him to lose, no biggie. If he even gets a few games, which Fed will definitely allow, the Sampras fans can say "just imagine what he could have done in his prime!!!"

And lose lose for Federer. Federer is expected to win, but if he creams Sampras he may look like a bad guy too. I remember back in the US Open final, Fed was dominating and pulled a drop shot against a tired Agassi. JMcEnroe and some fans did not approve. Something similar could happen in this exhibition.

 

[Zets147]

Sampras just wants to play a prime Federer. The Federer with the invincible aura around him. All in good fun.

 

[Marius_Hancu]

If they're people willing to finance it, it is necessary.

Also, these two guys will be fun to watch even in their 50s. I saw Laver at 55 and it was worthwhile.

 

[Ossric]

And lose lose for Federer. Federer is expected to win, but if he creams Sampras he may look like a bad guy too. I remember back in the US Open final, Fed was dominating and pulled a drop shot against a tired Agassi. JMcEnroe and some fans did not approve. Something similar could happen in this exhibition.

Yeah..how dare he make a high % shot to ensure victory in a major instead of hitting it back to him and giving him a chance to win the point!

The nerve...

 

[cknobman]

I think Sampras has been playing competitvely for the last year maybe year and a half. I know that currently he is playing the Outback Tour of Champions with Courier, McEnroe, Chang, etc.... Plus I have watch him play a couple of Team Tennis matches where I saw him using a Ncode 90 racquet. I know these events dont exactly provide the same level of competition as the ATP tour but its not like Pete has been sitting on his @ss for the last 5 years doing nothing.

It should be a fun match, and something many people have been wanting to see. Pete may not be able to win but he will definatley be able to compete.

 

[Fedace]

On March 10,2008 Pete Sampras and Roger Federer will play an exhibition in Madison Square Garden. That's after three exhibitions later this year in Asia.
Obviously there is a lot of money in it for the two of them. But,besides that, what's in it for Pete?
What can we expect from seeing a past his prime Pete against a top of his game Roger? Of course Pete will be playing with lessened expectations so in a sense just playing well is a sort of victory. But is Pete's champion's ego biting off more than Pete the player can deliver?

Would it be possible to give Pete the entire court and federer only singles court.?

 

[MichaelH]

I'm amazed that Pete agreed to it. An exhibition of a former #1 and a current #1 is a bit like George Forman coming out of retirement for a "last hurrah".

Incidentally, here's a quote from Tennis Server that I found interesting...

We are pleased yet a bit surprised to see Lindsay Davenport returning to the pro tour this week in Bali after having her first child this past June. And we are disappointed but not in the least surprised to see Serena Williams whine that Justin Henin had defeated her at the US Open by hitting "lucky winners." Get real Serena!

And she wonders, probably, why everyone doesn't think she's the cat's meow...

 

[MichaelH]

Yeah..how dare he make a high % shot to ensure victory in a major instead of hitting it back to him and giving him a chance to win the point!

The nerve...

Excellent point. I wonder how many times we've seen an injured player (think Serena, recently, with a cramped calf) actually come back to win the match. It seems that opponents frequently don't know how to cope with the injured opponent. I recall a few years ago that Andre was leading one set up, and ahead in the second set, when he nailed the opponent, hard. Agassi was so crushed by hitting the guy, his game folded and he actually ended up losing.

 

[davey]

He loves hard, fast, low balls hit at him.....

Duh.... Sampras is smarter than that....

Sampras is probably one of the top s&v players if not the best just because no one plays that game today. If anyone can challenge Fed with s&v, it would be Pete. I doubt it will work but he has as good a chance to beat Fedie as anyone playing today.

 

[Pete.Sampras.]

Sampras is not trying to prove anything!

I saw an interview with Pete lately. When he talked about these exhibition matches against Federer, he said that he wants to hold serve a few times. That's all. He doesn't think that he can challenge Federer, he doesn't think that he will win. He just wants to hold his serve a few times and maybe hit a few forehand winners. Also, there's probably a lot of money in there for both of them so... why not

 

[AAAA]

I saw an interview with Pete lately. When he talked about these exhibition matches against Federer, he said that he wants to hold serve a few times. That's all. He doesn't think that he can challenge Federer, he doesn't think that he will win. He just wants to hold his serve a few times and maybe hit a few forehand winners. Also, there's probably a lot of money in there for both of them so... why not

If Pete holds serve a few times, aged 37ish, that is all his fans need to believe Pete was the better player hence his aim will be achieved. That's my opinion of his motives.

 

[Pete.Sampras.]

If Pete holds serve a few times, aged 37ish, that is all his fans need to believe Pete was the better player hence his aim will be achieved. That's my opinion of his motives.

I don't think so... but none of us can say that for sure...

 

[PRADEEPKUMAR MANI]

If anyone can challenge Fed with s&v, it would be Pete. I doubt it will work but he has as good a chance to beat Fedie as anyone playing today.

I have not seen Sampras serve in recent years, but if he were given the serve every game, I'd expect him to win most games, especially on a fast indoor surface.

OMG! Some people go overboard to paint a rosy picture of Sampras' game. On reading these threads from sampras fans, one gets the (wrong) impression that Sampras never lost a match in his lifetime, and his serve was never broken. Truth is, even in his prime years, he lost something like 15 matches in a year (thats how much Fed loses in a span of 2-3 yrs).

A retired pro having "as good a chance" to beat the current world # 1 as anyone else playing today? Are you kidding me? Lets be realistic here - If sampras were to play against anyone in the top 500, he would lose badly. And even if he were in his prime, he would lose tons of matches if he adopted S & V. There is no incentive to S & V now-a-days (thanks to court surfaces, string technology AND fitter players who can return better and track down volleys), its as simple as that. Any one who thinks otherwise is in denial, IMO.

If Federer treats the exhibitions as serious matches, then sampras should consider himself lucky if he does not get double-bageled (even if he were to serve all the time).

Please do not make out sampras' game to be something that it actually was not! He was a former champion, who is playing a better version of himself in the current champion.. Sampras deserved every bit of respect he got, but its Fed's turn now to get the respect (every bit of it, and even more).. Just sit back and enjoy the greatness while it lasts.

 

[AAAA]

I don't think so... but none of us can say that for sure...

It could just be that Pete is bored so needs a challenge but a challenge would imply he perhaps has something to prove or something to aim for. I thought he was an avid golf player, if so he could work on his handicap and if it's proving harder than he expected then there's a challenge for him.

 

[rightytopspin79]

I'm pretty sure it has to do with the stupid amount of money they'll be making doing these EXO. I think he said was interviewed for by espn page2 or something and he jokingly referred to the christmas money he'd be making by playing in this tournament. Apparently he must of seen something after playing Fed at his house this past winter? I don't know what he's thinking, he going to get his butt kicked!

 

[Eviscerator]

Maybe you used my quote for an overall point, but I quilified my comment in responding to a poster who wondered if Pete were given every serve game. Like I said, I have no idea how good his serve has been the last few years, but if it is clicking, and they play on a fast surface, he could win a majority of the games. That is not a knock on Federer or overly praising Pete, just giving the nod to a big serve on a fast surface which any pro would love to have.

 

[cknobman]

A retired pro having "as good a chance" to beat the current world # 1 as anyone else playing today? Are you kidding me? Lets be realistic here - If sampras were to play against anyone in the top 500, he would lose badly. And even if he were in his prime, he would lose tons of matches if he adopted S & V. There is no incentive to S & V now-a-days (thanks to court surfaces, string technology AND fitter players who can return better and track down volleys), its as simple as that. Any one who thinks otherwise is in denial, IMO.

Please make educated responses and think about what your typing before you post. As stated earlier in this post Sampras has been playing World Team Tennis and Outback Champions Tour the last year to year and a half. World Team Tennis frequetnly has top 500 even 100 and on occassion top 10 tour players. To say he would lose badly against anyone in top 500 is not founded on any valid sane reasoning. Also stating serve and volley is a always a losing strategy shows a complete lack of knowledge about tennis. Have you ever actually played tennis or do you just watch it and make short sighted judgements?

 

[PRADEEPKUMAR MANI]

Please make educated responses and think about what your typing before you post. As stated earlier in this post Sampras has been playing World Team Tennis and Outback Champions Tour the last year to year and a half. World Team Tennis frequetnly has top 500 even 100 and on occassion top 10 tour players. To say he would lose badly against anyone in top 500 is not founded on any valid sane reasoning. Also stating serve and volley is a always a losing strategy shows a complete lack of knowledge about tennis. Have you ever actually played tennis or do you just watch it and make short sighted judgements?

I do not see how your responses are any more educated than mine. WTT is NOT pro tennis. So what if it has Top 10? Do you claim that the players play with the same seriousness in WTT as in a pro match? I did not say that sampras would lose to the Top 500 if he were to play at the pro level today. I only said that in his current state he would lose to anyone in the top 500.

As far as S & V goes, it is a losing strategy in today's game. Remember, I did not say incorporating a solid net game in your predominatly baseline style of play is a losing strategy - just S & V tennis. In fact, Federer, McEnroe, among other greats admit that S & V is a losing strategy today. Perhaps you doubt my credentials to make "educated claims", but I'm sure you will not have a problem with Federer's opinion... And I do play tennis at 5.0 level, and have been playing and following tennis for the past 18 yrs.

 

[Golden Retriever]

Gee, people actually believe these exhibitions are not fixed?I guess WWF is real too.

 

[cknobman]

I did not say that sampras would lose to the Top 500 if he were to play at the pro level today. I only said that in his current state he would lose to anyone in the top 500.

You just restated the same nonsense as your first post. How do you justify/reason that he would lose to anyone in the top 500 because of his current state? HE HAS BEEN PLAYING COMPETITIVE TENNIS FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. He is not out of shape and although WTT is not the actual tour it is competitive and it does have tour level players on it. Have you seen any of the players that are below rank 200? Have you ever watched a challenger event or even lower level events than that? To say Pete Sampras could lose to anyone in the top 500 is not only foolish but retarted. Maybe it would be easier to belive if you said top 200 or more realistically top 50 but top 500? LOL.

 

[araghava]

I suspect this might also be Pete trying to see if he got enough left to consider 1 last wimbledon. If he's able to match up with Fed reasonably well he might consider giving it a go.