Check back to read Loyal Homer’s argument that Federer is better than Sampras, and Sports Geek’s argument that Sampras is better than Federer.
3 Australian Open Titles (’04, ’06, and ’07)
1 French Open Titles (’09)
6 Wimbledon Titles (’03, ’04, ’05, ’06, ’07, and ’09)
5 US Open Titles (’04, ’05, ’06, ’07, and ’08)
The numbers speak for themselves. There can be no disputing Roger Federer’s place in history as one of the greats of tennis. But, is he the greatest?
Sunday at Wimbledon, Roger Federer claimed his 15th Grand Slam title, surpassing Pete Sampras’ total of 14 and officially claiming the record of “most Grand-Slam victories” for the history of tennis. Added to that amazing accomplishment was the manner in which Federer claimed the title. In what can only be described as an instant classic, it took Federer 30 games (that’s right, I said 30!!!!) in the fifth set to FINALLY defeat American Andy Roddick by a score of 16-14.
It is a match that will be remembered as one of the greatest of all time, and it immediately brought to mind the Muhammad Ali quote which became the title quote for this article.
But is it enough?
Many consider Muhammad Ali to be the greatest boxer of all time. That doesn’t stop the speculation, though, of whether or not Mike Tyson would have beaten him had both been in boxing at their prime. Likewise, people often speculate how Tiger Woods would fare against Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, or other ‘greats’ of golf’s past.
In much the same manner, Roger Federer has officially tossed his name into the hat for consideration as the best tennis player of all time. There is no doubt that 15 Grand Slam titles gives him the right to be considered, but I ask again… is it enough?
Does the fact that Roger Federer has beaten Pete Sampras’ record mean that he is officially a better player than Sampras was?
That sounds like a job for – The Sports Debates!
Loyal Homer will argue that Roger Federer is, in fact, a better player than Pete Sampras was, and is worthy of the title of “Greatest Tennis Player.”
Sports Geek will argue that Federer may be the best tennis player of his era, but still must kneel before the true greats of the court, such as Pete Sampras.
The score is Love-Love… Gentlemen, you may begin!
