Federer handles Sampras in first exhibition match

Roger Federer handled Pete Sampras 6-4, 6-3 in Seoul.

Reigning world No. 1 Roger Federer and former top-ranked star Pete Sampras played the first of three Asian exhibition matches on Tuesday, and the super Swiss handled the 36-year-old American 6-4, 6-3 in Seoul.

Sampras uncorked a pair of aces in his first service game on Tuesday, bringing the crowd to its feet at Seoul’s Olympic Tennis Arena, and the legendary American wound up breaking Federer on his way to a surprising 4-2 lead, but the 26-year-old Swiss would take control from there.

“I feel pretty good,” Sampras said after the match. “I made it competitive, which was my goal. Obviously Roger is the best player in the world and I retired five years ago. I am grateful that he invited me.”

Sampras served well and displayed his trademark solid volleys, but he was much slower around the court and Federer was able to capitalize on that.

“Pete was one of my idols growing up and it’s great to play him,” Federer said. “It wasn’t easy for me, it wasn’t easy for him as he’s been retired five years. I am number one and everyone expects me to win.”

Federer and Sampras will play again on Thursday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the three-match series will conclude Saturday in Macau, China.

In their only ATP meeting, Federer defeated Sampras in five sets in the fourth round at Wimbledon back in 2001. The seven-time Wimbledon champion Sampras was the reigning four-time Wimbledon champ at the time.

In Sampras’ last official match, he beat his long-time rival Andre Agassi in the 2002 U.S. Open final. The six-time year-end No. 1 officially retired from the tour the following year.

The reigning four-time year-end No. 1 Federer is currently the reigning five- time Wimbledon titlist and within two victories of equaling Sampras’ Grand Slam total of 14.

Federer is fresh off his fourth Masters Cup title in five years, as he corralled yet another championship in Shanghai this past Sunday.

Popularity: 9% [?]