8 reasons why Rafael Nadal is greater than Pete Sampras

Both names are frequently uttered in the GOAT debate – The King of Clay and The King of Grass. Pete Sampras, one of Roger Federer’s idols, has been part of the debate – with Federer himself in quite another league. In 2017, Rafael Nadal proved detractors wrong after a low 2016 season and talks of burnout and retirement. The powerful Spaniard came back well-rested, recuperated and raring to go in Melbourne, enjoying a dream run to the finals with some inspired tennis to set up a finals clash with long-time rival Roger Federer. And despite Nadal not winning that final, the Spaniard proved beyond a doubt that he is back in the game – and well and truly part of the GOAT debate.Here, we look at eight reasons why Nadal has already edged past Sampras in the debate.

#1 Grand Slam distribution

The most obvious fact which anyone would point out while comparing Nadal and Sampras is that while they both have 14 Major titles now, Nadal has won all four Grand Slams, while Pete Sampras never won the French Open. His best result there was a semifinal showing in 1996.