Pete Sampras: Roger Federer can win 18th Grand Slam title

Pete Sampras with Roger Federer

14-time Grand Slam champion Pete Sampras believes that Roger Federer still has what it takes to add Grand Slam No. 18 to his bag.

Federer’s last Major title came at Wimbledon, a tournament which Federer and Sampras have won seven times each, in 2012. The Swiss maestro made an early exit at last year’s Wimbledon after he was ousted by Ukranian Sergiy Stakhovsky in round 2. That, and a few other uninspiring performances from the former World No. 1, have seen his ranking slip to 8, his lowest position since October 2002.

But Federer played a very good tournament at the Australian Open in January. A new partnership with Swedish legend Stefan Edberg and a bigger racquet frame seemed to have had a positive effect on Federer’s game as he reached the semifinals at Melbourne Park, defeating reigning Wimbledon champion Andy Murray along the way.

Sampras thinks there was enough in Federer’s run in Australia to indicate that a resurgence is just around the corner.

Sampras said: “As long as he is enjoying it and he’s healthy, I can see him playing for two [to] four more years. He truly loves the sport.

“I thought his level [in Australia] was quite good. When you’re playing against Rafa and if you’re not quite on your game then it can seem like you’re struggling. Rafa’s a rock.

“But I do see Roger building from that, I think he’s going to do well this year.

“Things need to fall into place and he needs to play well but I do think he can do it [win a Grand Slam]. I think it is what he’s playing for.

“He’s done everything in the game and he could walk away feeling great but he still wants to travel and compete and I’m in awe of it.

“Clearly the majors are his motivation but he’s happy to still travel and play the other events. I found myself getting tired at 30 or 31.”