Not one greatest player, each decade has one: Pete Sampras

Melbourne, Jan 24 (IANS) If he must, Pete Sampras would nominate Roger Federer as the greatest player the tennis world has ever seen. But the 14-time Grand Slam winner still insists there’s not one greatest player.

“When you look at the numbers, Roger has been so dominant. He’s won on all courts. He’s a phenomenal player,” said Sampras, reports Xinhua.

“Is there one greatest player of all time? I don’t know. I think if you look at the numbers, you have to look at Roger, what he’s been able to do: 17 majors, been No. 1.”

“I feel like every decade there’s the guy. Certainly Roger has been the best player for the last 10 years. Rafa (Rafael Nadal) is up there with him. (Novak) Djokovic is pushing,” said Sampras.

“When you look at the history of the game, each decade has their player. Obviously Rod (Laver) was the best in his time. I certainly had my moments in the ’90s. Rafa and Roger are having their moments now.”