Read the debate intro and Sports Geek’s argument that Sampras is better than Federer.
My hats is off to Andy Roddick for a courageous battle in yesterday’s Wimbledon final. He played an outstanding match, with a powerful forehand and serve. I know he probably woke up this morning thinking he blew the championship, but there’s no reason to think that way. “Hold your head up high Andy!” You showed me a lot in such an exhilarating match. You helped turn “Breakfast at Wimbledon” into “Lunch at Wimbledon.” And, you were very gracious in defeat. I thought you would lose in four sets, but you had Roger Federer on the ropes for much of the match. Congratulations, Andy, and we look forward to seeing what you do at the US Open next month!
Now, on to the debate!
Bleacher Fan poses an interesting question. Who is the greatest tennis player ever? Is it Roger Federer or Pete Sampras? And while I have great respect for Pete and what he did for American tennis in the 1990s, I think this is a relatively easy question.
The answer is Roger Federer.
Yesterday, Federer won his 15th Grand Slam title, breaking the record previously held by Sampras who only held the record for seven years. (I also thought it was a very classy move by Sampras and his beautiful wife, Bridgette, to make to the trip to the All England Club.)
Not only has Federer won 15 Grand Slam titles, but he has won all four of Grand Slams at least once, achieving the career Grand Slam – something only six men have done. As Bleacher Fan said in his intro, Federer has won Wimbledon six times, the French Open once, the Australian Open three times, and the U.S. Open five times. What is even more remarkable than that is the fact that, beginning with Wimbledon in 2004, he has made it to at least the semifinals of a Grand Slam a whopping 21 CONSECUTIVE TIMES!!!!! That proves his dominance, perhaps even more than winning 15 grand slams.
Winning all four Grand Slams is something the great Pete Sampras cannot lay claim to. Pistol Pete was an incredible 7-0 in Wimbledon finals, but he was never able to win a title at the French Open. That’s not unusual for Americans, as Americans always struggle on the clay surface at Roland Garros. American tennis players don’t grow up playing on clay. How many clay surfaces have you seen in your town? I have never played on clay, and I grew up playing tennis (mostly on hard courts).
One other thing to consider in this debate… age. Federer will turn 28 next month. When Sampras won his last Grand Slam at the U.S. Open in 2002, he was 31-years-old. That was his last official tournament as a professional. Let’s say Federer plays until he is 31 (and he has given no indication that he will not). That gives him plenty of time to win more Grand Slams. He could arguably win 20 Grand Slams.
Like I said, I have nothing but respect and love for Sampras. My generation grew up watching the battles between him and Andre Agassi (both the long-haired and no hair version). But, what Federer has done is amazing and he deserves to be called the greatest tennis player of all the time.
Loyal Homer can’t wait to see what you do at the U.S. Open, Roger!
[...] The Federer-Sampras Debate – Roger Leaves No Doubt « The Sports … By Loyal Homer Who is the greatest tennis player ever? Is it Roger Federer or Pete Sampras? And while I have great respect for Pete and what he did for American tennis in the 1990s, I think this is a relatively easy question. The answer is Roger Federer. Yesterday, Federer won his 15th Grand Slam title, breaking the record previously held by Sampras who only held the record for seven years. (I also thought it was a very classy move by Sampras and his beautiful wife, Bridgette, … The Sports Debates© – http://thesportsdebates.com/ [...]