Simon Cambers
Monday, 21 May 2012
Exclusive Pete Sampras interview: Sampras tells The Tennis Space that
his friend Roger Federer will carry on playing, and challenging for
grand slams, “for many, many years” as he will avoid burnout. The
Californian argues that Federer “is a young 30 who is very eager, plays
a lot and loves the lifestyle of being on the road – I don’t see any
decline”.
Sampras also talks about the influence that his former coach, Paul
Annacone, has had on Federer, and how he is “getting used to Roger
breaking my records” – this summer, Federer could go level with Sampras
on seven Wimbledon titles, and one more week as the No 1 would see him
match the American’s record of 286 weeks at the top of the tree.
Sampras on whether Federer can win another slam. “Yes, I still think
Roger can win a slam. He still seems very motivated. He loves to travel,
he loves to play. He’s sort of a young 30-year-old. He’s very eager, he
plays a lot, he loves the lifestyle of being on the road. When I was his
age, I just felt a little more tired and burnt out after the years of
travelling. He enjoys the lifestyle, and as a result he’s going to play
for many, many years.
“His level is still very high and he could very easily….winning in Paris
is a tough one but I still think he’s the favourite at Wimbledon and the
US Open in a few months’ time is still a realistic win for him. I don’t
see any decline, I just think some guys have stepped it up in the last
three or four years and they’re in their prime now. But Roger still has
a great attitude, he’s still playing great and he loves it out there. I
don’t see him getting burned out or tired, he’s still very eager.”
Sampras on Federer’s chances at Wimbledon. “Listen, he’s a strong
favourite, as is Novak, as is Rafa, it’s really, not a lot separates the
top three or four guys. At Wimbledon this year you’ve got a few guys who
are stepping it up a little bit but when push comes to shove I still
like the top three or four guys to be in there in the last weekend.
Roger’s been there so many times, he knows what to do. It’s really
anyone’s. The top four guys are so much better than the rest it really
just comes down to when they play, getting the breaks and playing a
little better, feeling better, who’s had the easier first week. But I
still like Roger on the grass. He has the best game for the surface, but
we’ll see.”
Sampras on Federer breaking his records. “Roger’s very eager, willing to
put in the work, is still training very hard and I see him being a
contender and a favourite at Wimbledon. I don’t think being No 1 again
is as important to him as a Wimbledon would be but obviously everything
goes hand in hand. So, I’m used to Roger breaking my records, that’s the
way it’s been for a number of years. There’s nothing I can do about it.
I would just sit here being impressed at what Roger’s been able to do.
“I know how hard it is to stay on top for many years, and I think it’s
easier to have my records broken by a guy who I admire and who I
consider a friend. It’ll make it a little bit easier. When we all play,
we want to keep our records for ever but we know that records can be
broken and most likely will be broken. Roger’s done incredible things on
and off the court and really deserves all the accolades of being a great
champion.”
Sampras on the influence of Paul Annacone, his former coach, who is now
working with Federer. “I think Paul’s very smart. He knows what it’s
like to be out there. He coached me for many years, he’s smart with
different personalities, what I might want to hear, what Roger might
want to hear, or Tim [Henman], for a few years. He’s not a guy who is
going to need to tell Roger a lot of things but to have Paul in his
corner can help him figure out a few things, like how to play a lefty in
Rafa, how to cope with Novak and his speed, try to think of different
ways to beat these guys, if it’s coming in a little more, being a little
more strategic, because Roger played one way and he was so much better
than everyone.
“Now the guys are moving a little better, playing a bit better, he’s got
to find new ways. Paul’s very smart, he knows the players. He’s been
with Roger quite a while now so he knows what Roger can do and what he
can say. It’s been a good fit. I know from talking to Paul, he really
likes Roger and enjoys the time they have together, and it’s a good match.”
Sampras on how Annacone stays calm. “He is very relaxed, doesn’t get too
wrapped up on anything, and he’s there for you. But when he needs to
step up, he’ll step up and say what he has to say, be very honest. But
he does it in a very calm demeanour, he’s not a distraction to Roger.
When I was playing I never thought, ‘God, he’s scheduling interviews,
he’s doing…..’ Paul was about the job and about the player. In a day and
age, when you have coaches looking to do other things, looking at other
opportunities, Paul was always in my corner and I always liked that
loyalty.”
Coming soon on The Tennis Space: Pete Sampras on how Roger Federer needs
to approach his matches with Rafael Nadal.
http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/sampras-exclusive-i-see-no-decline-with-federer/