Speaking ahead of an exhibition match against Andre Agassi in London on March 3, Sampras said on a conference call Wednesday that he is impressed by Federer's longevity.
''I'm
amazed that he is up for more tennis,'' Sampras said. ''He has done
everything in the game and he could walk away tomorrow feeling great
about it. But he still wants to travel and compete and I'm in awe of it.
He is a true lover of the sport.''
Federer started this year on a high and working with new coach Stefan Edberg, he reached the final of his first
tournament, at Brisbane, and then made the semifinals of the Australian
Open for the 11th consecutive year. His run at Melbourne included wins
over 2008 finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Wimbledon champion Andy Murray.
"I thought his level was quite good and I think he's going to do well this year." Sampras said.
Asked if Federer could win another Grand Slam title, Sampras said the Swiss ''can do it'' if he plays his best tennis.
''That's
why he's playing, I don't think he's playing for anything else but to
win some more majors,'' said Sampras, adding that Federer's best chance
would be on his favorite grass surface, at Wimbledon.
Sampras
was 31 when he decided to hang up his racket for good, while the
32-year-old Federer has hinted he could keep playing until the Rio
Olympics in 2016.
''As long as
Roger is enjoying it and he's healthy, I can see him playing for
another two, three, four more years,'' Sampras said.
Date: 19th February 2014, Source: AP
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