Federer beats Sampras in first friendly
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
SEOUL, Nov 20 (AP): In a friendly exhibition match between the giants of tennis present and past, world No 1 Roger Federer defeated Pete Sampras in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3.
The match in Seoul is the first of three Asian exhibitions the two legends will play. The pair meet again Thursday in Kuala Lumpur before heading to Macau two days later.
Sampras (36) retired in 2002, a year after the only previous meeting between the pair at Wimbledon 2001.
Federer won that fourth round match in five sets. If the Swiss star - who lifted his fourth Masters Cup title Sunday in Shanghai - expected an easier ride against the aging American, he was in for a shock.
The match in Seoul is the first of three Asian exhibitions the two legends will play. The pair meet again Thursday in Kuala Lumpur before heading to Macau two days later.
Sampras (36) retired in 2002, a year after the only previous meeting between the pair at Wimbledon 2001.
Federer won that fourth round match in five sets. If the Swiss star - who lifted his fourth Masters Cup title Sunday in Shanghai - expected an easier ride against the aging American, he was in for a shock.