"I saw Pete Sampras hitting balls when he was 17 and he was missing everything" - When Andre Agassi compared Roger Federer & Sampras' 'evolution'

Andre Agassi once drew a comparison between how Pete Sampras and Roger Federer's abilities had evolved over the years. The eight-time Grand Slam champion made the remarks after his devastating loss to Federer in the 2005 US Open final.

In his penultimate year on tour, Agassi delivered an inspired campaign at the New York Major, beating the likes of Ivo Karlovic, Tomas Berdych, and James Blake to set up a blockbuster final with top seed and defending champion Federer. Following a hard-fought battle, the Swiss claimed a 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-1 victory to clinch his sixth Grand Slam title.

After Roger Federer produced a stellar display with 69 winners in the title clash, Andre Agassi was asked whether the then-World No. 1 had always possessed such extraordinary shot-making ability.

Speaking during his post-match press conference, Agassi recounted seeing Pete Sampras struggle while hitting balls as a teenager, humorously admitting that he had doubted the 14-time Grand Slam champion's potential to succeed.

"Well, I saw Pete hitting balls one time when he was 17 years old and he was missing everything. I remember actually telling somebody how bad I feel for certain players that will never have a chance," Andre Agassi said.

The former World No. 1 likened that experience to his initial impression after playing Roger Federer for the first time, emphasizing that it had been "amazing" to witness the Swiss' evolution and growth over the years. He stressed the importance of not underestimating the determination and talent of champions like Federer and Sampras.

"And the first time I played Roger was in Switzerland, and the nice things I said about his game had to do with the fact that I was playing another Swiss guy in the next round," he said.

"So to watch him evolve has been amazing, and you never know, you know, never underestimate a champion's heart or their abilities. He's grown into his game in a way that's great to watch," he added.

Andre Agassi: "Pete Sampras was great... Roger Federer's the best I've played against"

Rafael Nadal, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Roger Federer - Source: Getty

During the same press conference, Andre Agassi disclosed that Roger Federer was the "best" opponent he had ever faced, highlighting that there were ways to counter Pete Sampras' game unlike the Swiss.

Nevertheless, Agassi acknowledged that several factors would have to work out in Federer's favor for him to surpass Sampras' then-record of 14 Grand Slam titles.

"Pete was great. I mean, no question. But there was a place to get to with Pete, you knew what you had to do. If you do it, it could be on your terms. There's no such place like that with Roger. I think he's the best I've played against," Andre Agassi said.

"But I also think the accomplishment of winning that many Slams requires a number of things, including a little bit of luck to make sure you're healthy, nothing goes wrong," he added.

Roger Federer admitted to being "surprised" by Andre Agassi rating him higher than Pete Sampras but confessed that it was "fantastic" to stand out among the legendary players the eight-time Major champion had faced.