Why Roger Federer Should Never Play Pete Sampras Again!

I hope this somehow gets back to Pete Sampras. I'm dreaming; but here's why Roger Federer should never play Pete Sampras again.

Federer has gone beyond playing in the ATP tour; he is now playing for his legacy and his legacy only. That is undeniable fact, even though if I were Federer, I wouldn't want this weight on my shoulders. Playing Pete Sampras in this case is the ultimate nightmare.

Sure, the majority of tennis experts would say that these games are only for fun. But what about the largely ignorant public who do not know any better?

Might this just pique their interest, and make them wonder how the hell Pete Sampras almost manages to beat Roger Federer? Might it make them think that this era is weaker than it actually is?

This era, nor the recent one (by which we mean Roddick, Hewitt and Safin) is not weak; far from it. Federer made them look weak. The new era in perspective is not doing that much better against Federer save Nadal. In five-set matches (meaning Grand Slams) Federer is next to impossible to beat. Anyway, back to Pete.

I have a lurking suspicion that somehwere in Pete Sampras' pysche there is a tennis ego that says beating Roger in these games is beneficial to him in the "Who is the Greatest Player in History" argument.

Federer seems a little bit unassuming towards all of this. But look at Pete Sampras' face above. I don't mean to paint him out as a devil, but there is definitely a strong drive to beat Federer in these exhibition games.

The fact is: whether you believe it or not, these games carry weight. Somewhere in some history book in the future, some idiot will detail the fact that Sampras has BEATEN Federer in an exhibition game (five years out of retirement).

So Federer: concentrate on those Slams, and let's let these exhos slide if Pete invites you to another one; it may be the best thing to do for your legacy.

What's the point of playing in a game where you can't kick arse because it'll cause indignity to your opponent? Isn't that what you're programmed to do?

By the way, Pete is a great champion. In fact, the second Greatest Player of All Time.

Haw Haw Haw Haw Haw!s