Pete Sampras: ‘It’s Amazing That Roger Is Still Going’

There comes a point in every athlete’s professional career when Father Time tells them to stop. However, some athletes still keep on playing. Recently, retired American tennis legend Pete Sampras has expressed his amazement about how the 17-time Swiss grand slam champion still has the passion to play tennis at his age.

“It’s amazing that Roger is still going,” Sampras told ESPN. “He has done everything in the game and then some, and yet he still has that motivation to travel and to win.”

According to Sampras, he doesn’t question Federer’s ability to succeed because the Swiss has demonstrated that he can maintain his longevity while ensuring that his game doesn’t fall apart. After 17 grand slam titles and 1000 career wins, Sampras is amazed how Federer still has the enthusiasm to continue travelling and win tournaments.

Federer has not been able to win a grand slam title since 2012. He suffered a career slump the following year, but got back on track in the 2014 season, claiming five titles and moving back up to world rankings at the second spot.

Not only does Federer handle his setbacks well but also criticisms. Sampras, who bid his farewell to the sort at the age of 32, said that Federer has certainly been suggested to retire in 2013 but the Swiss dealt with it and didn’t let the critics get to him. Instead, the Swiss lets his tennis speak for him. The fact that he has been able to play great tennis in his level for a long period of time is incredible, Sampras further lamented.

Sampras also said that Federer was right to put his faith in Stefan Edberg. He said that Edberg, a former World No. 1, is a big factor at this point in Federer’s career. Edberg has guided Federer back to form.

In an article by Tennis World USA back in November after his Davis Cup win, Federer has said that he has no plans of retiring yet because he just loves the sport so much that he can’t say goodbye to it. He said that he intends to win another Davis Cup trophy in 2015.

Federer is playing at the 2015 Australian Open in his bid to win his 18^th grand slam title and fifth Australian Open trophy. Federer worked his way to advance in the tournament beating 6-4 6-2 7-5 Yen-Hsun Lu and 3-6 6-3 6-2 6-2 Simon Bolleli in the first and second round, respectively.

Federer will play Andreas Seppi in the third round on Jan. 23. He currently holds a 10-0 perfect record against Seppi.

To contact the author of this article, email r.corpuz@IBTimes.com.au.