On July 2, 2001, future Wimbledon king Roger Federer defeated seven-time All England Club champion Pete Sampras 7-6(7), 5-7, 6-4, 6-7( 2), 7-5. in three hours and 41 minutes in the fourth round!
Speaking about that clash ahead of the US Open two years later, Federer said he felt lucky to have the chance to play against Pete at least once. Remembering the thrilling victory, Roger expressed his feelings that the American would not compete again, respecting his decision to retire after an incredible career.
It was the first and only match between the two tennis giants. They made it remarkable after the attacking lawn tennis that we would often miss on the hallowed courts of Wimbledon in years to come.
At 19 years and ten months, Federer was the future star. He headed to the All England Club after his first major quarter-final in Paris and the first ATP crown won earlier that year in Milan.
Although he didn’t play well that season, Sampras was still dangerous on those courts, chasing his fifth straight title and eighth Wimbledon title, in hopes of adding his name to the record books again.
It was not to be for him that day, however, losing before the quarter-final for the first time since 1991 and playing just one more match at Wimbledon a year later! Pete has won 31 consecutive matches at Wimbledon and 56 in the last 57 meetings before Roger ended that streak.
The Swiss went to Wimbledon without a win in a few trips to London, and he also became the first player with a five-set triumph over Pete in the cathedral of tennis!
Roger Federer on Wimbledon:
Roger Federer has shared his thoughts on his 2001 Wimbledon win over Pete Sampras. Federer won ten points more than Sampras, fending off nine out of 11 break chances and delivering four out of 14 break chances to cross the finish line and prevail in the closing stages of the deciding set.
They hit 174 service winners in 370 points (89 for Roger, 85 for Pete), with 47% of the initial shots going unreturned! Moreover, 325 rallies ended in the shortest range up to four strokes, where the Swiss had a 170-155 advantage, forging triumph in this area alongside better tennis in decisive moments.
Roger took a late break in the tiebreaker with that infamous line-return forehand winner that earned him a notable victory. “I feel much more relaxed after winning Wimbledon; it was not easy to deal with the pressure at Majors before, and I have nothing more to prove.
After a headline, you always have to set new goals. My next goal is to become number one in the world and win more titles by the end of the year, starting with the US Open.
I am motivated to perform well in these events. I’m lucky to have played against Pete Sampras once. I was always looking forward to this chance. It was a big shock when I beat him at Wimbledon, but not anymore because he hasn’t played for over a year.
It’s a shame he’s leaving; it’s his decision, and we have to respect it,” said Roger Federer.
2023-05-01 17:07:34
#Roger #Federer #Pete #Sampras #lucky
