"Pete Sampras was always texting me during French Open" - When Roger Federer revealed American's 'class act' during his dream run in Paris
Roger Federer once revealed the classy gesture Pete Sampras made when he was on his way to winning the French Open in 2009. That victory was especially significant, not just because it was Federer’s first and only Roland Garros title, but also because it allowed him to equal Sampras’ then-record of 14 Grand Slam titles.
Sampras' tally of 14 Grand Slam titles was once seen as an untouchable milestone, one even he believed would stand the test of time. But Federer defied the odds with a commanding straight-sets win over Robin Soderling in Paris.
After his historic victory, Federer revealed just how supportive Sampras had been in the lead-up to the final. The Swiss maestro shared that the American legend was constantly in touch, texting him, writing encouraging messages, and later, warmly congratulated him.
"He was writing me, always [texting] during the French and congratulating me. He is a class act," Federer told the media (via ESPN).
Before defeating Robin Soderling, Roger Federer had to battle past a tough lineup. He overcame Alberto Martin, Jose Acasuso, Paul-Henri Mathieu, Tommy Haas, Gael Monfils, and Juan Martin Del Potro to book his spot in the championship match.
Roger Federer broke Pete Sampras' Grand Slam record a month after winning French Open
Roger Federer wasted no time breaking Pete Sampras’ Grand Slam record. Just a month after his French Open triumph in 2009, he did the unthinkable at Wimbledon. In an epic five-set final, he defeated Andy Roddick, with Sampras watching from the Royal Box as history was made.
Sampras later talked to the media about Federer's win, saying (via The Guardian):
"Sure, Roger's a friend and a good guy and a great player. He's got 15 grand slam titles now, and he could get 16, 17 or 18 – he's a stud. And he's only 27."
"He's won all the majors now, and he will win a few more. So in my book he is. Andy [Roddick] played great and had his chance. But Roger is a great champion. The fifth set was great tennis, and Roger deserved it. It was an epic," he added.
The Swiss would go on to win an impressive 20 Grand Slam titles, ranking third in men's tennis history behind Novak Djokovic (24) and Rafael Nadal (22).