Los Angeles (AFP) - Pete Sampras, the 14-time Grand Slam champion whose Wimbledon reign was ended by Roger Federer in 2001, paid tribute to the Swiss great in a social media video on Thursday.
Federer, winner of 20 Grand Slam titles and one of the best players in history, is making a farewell appearance at the Laver Cup in London on Friday before he heads into retirement.
Sampras took the occasion to recall their only meeting -- when 19-year-old Federer beat him in the fourth round at the All England Club.
"Not really sure where to begin, so I'll just start from the very beginning," Sampras said in a video directed straight to Federer.
"When I first played you, you were 19 years old, an up-and-coming player and people were talking about you.
"And we had a great battle on the Centre Court of Wimbledon.And you took me down.
"Tough five-setter," recalled Sampras, who had won the previous four Wimbledon titles to take his tally to seven."And I just remember walking off the court, feeling like I met my match."
Sampras would win one more Grand Slam title, at the US Open in 2002, before retiring.Over the next two decades he watched Federer's career blossom.
"Little did I know, 20 years later, that you would have 20 majors, be number one for years, dominate our sport -- basically do it all," Sampras said, calling Federer "truly a special player".
Sampras lauded Federer's dedication, saying his famously fluid game disguised the rigorous work that produced it.
"You're going to be missed in our game," Sampras said.
