McEnroeisanartist
Hall of Fame
As much as, Nadal has hurt Federer's legacy by defeating him in 6 grand slam finals, do you think he actually inspired Federer to become a greater champion.
After losing in the 2005 French Open semifinal, 2006 French Open final, and 2007 French Open final, Federer must have felt very inspired to win Wimbledom and the U.S. Open to prove that he was the best player in the world. After Nadal's great 2008 season, how inspired was Federer in 2009.
I don't think Sampras had that rival to inspire him. Sampras had several losses throughout his prime/close to prime years - 1996 Australian Open 3rd Round, 1996 Wimbledon quarterfinals, 1997 U.S. Open 4th Round, 1998 Australian Open quarterfinals, and all those French Open losses, that you wonder if he might have won if he had a rival to truly challenge him.
After losing in the 2005 French Open semifinal, 2006 French Open final, and 2007 French Open final, Federer must have felt very inspired to win Wimbledom and the U.S. Open to prove that he was the best player in the world. After Nadal's great 2008 season, how inspired was Federer in 2009.
I don't think Sampras had that rival to inspire him. Sampras had several losses throughout his prime/close to prime years - 1996 Australian Open 3rd Round, 1996 Wimbledon quarterfinals, 1997 U.S. Open 4th Round, 1998 Australian Open quarterfinals, and all those French Open losses, that you wonder if he might have won if he had a rival to truly challenge him.