Pete Sampras said Roger Federer will leave a big void in tennis

[@plasticity1000]

What a wonderful tribute to Roger from Pete. Pete is a legend in his own right and paved the way for Federer and so many other great tennis players to follow. Both Petes forehand and serve and volley game were so potent. Pete hit a very heavy ball.

[@alexross8478]

i am king Novak's fan and also Sampras's fan, i think they both are the greatest.

[@tgmuss]

Novak might be the greatest on court player ever but overall Federer has done so much for tennis on and off court.

[@alexross8478]

@Satheesh Kumar yes and like a lot people said it is almost impossible to compare players from one generation to other generations, so everyones should be able to pick their greatest players depend on their opinion.

[@Ultimate.Tennis]

"Legend in his own right," doesn't really do pete justice I think. Pete is the OG GOAT. If he had bigger records to break than Emerson's 12 GS, he definitely would have won more than 14, given that he retired on a U.S open win.

[@godrulesme8619]

*You all are NUTS praising these two guys who have over $600 million dollars together* *People are dying due to lack of money to buy food...yet you praise these rich clowns* You can worship and like and praise who you want... I believe in freedom of speech...and the freedom to make as much money as want just like them. See what happens in the end... Fools look up to the filthy rich....and that is not just my opinion. Any fool knows these guys don't need to hold onto that much money to live happy...while others are in major grief from being poor and dying. Many share my same beliefs...and maybe God does also.

[@juanantoniozuleta6575]

From one legend to another. One gentleman to another. Roger will be missed as Pete was…or even more.

[@JohnDoe-dp4kx]

Pistol Pete, best retirement ever in Tennis history right after winning 2002 US Open! You can't beat that! and always dominated his main rivals from same era.

[@atarumoroboshi75]

Exactly, the strongest 💪🏻❤️

[@nelson8r]

@@JohnDoe-dp4kx Well, in terms of the WTA, Barty did so after winning the AO while STILL ranked No. 1! Not very common for athletes to retire while still at the top (or on a high note).

[@allatoll]

I was a fan of Agassi during Pete's playing days, but Pete's timely retirement has given him a lot of respect. Not many great champions can do that, and not only in tennis. None of the big three of tennis. Steffi Graf immediately comes to mind.

[@hyperwarrior908]

The emptiness I've felt when Pete retired at the US Open 2003 as a Sampras fan and 19 years later, as a die hard Fed fan, I'm feeling it again for Roger! It's been a wonderful journeys, I can rest easy and I'm now a good casual tennis fan.

[@stevefowler3398]

Agreed! Pete is a ONE OFF. He never seeks a celebrity lifestyle or status. But in tennis terms, he is a giant. For me, (and many others), THE GREATEST.

[@shaggygreen19]

Pete is the first to openly support Roger in his early days. They always got a special bond between them. Love pete personality so chill

[@amirajaib]

2002

[@kstats8243]

To me, Pete is the GOAT

[@hyperwarrior908]

@@amirajaib His last match was in 2002 but the retirement ceremony was a year later, 2003!

[@shparso]

My two favorite tennis players of all time. Both humble and gracious on and off the court during their entire careers.

[@oot007]

The two most complete players in terms of natural talent, ability and skill.

[@radiohead2206]

Mine was Boris -> Pete -> Roger. It got better and better. Nothing I see recently. Joker can't volley or even hit an overhead. Some 🐐

[@malhotraroger9106]

Wonderful tribute . Pete was the ultimate cold killer when he played . A man of few words ,but lots of aces .Great to see the human side of him and that he is looking very happy.

[@kailashpatel1706]

Yep spot on...I thought that after Federer failed to convert those two MPs on his own serve in 2019 Wimby...Sampras would never have faltered...he would have found a big out wide serve or down the line winner...He was a ruthless assassin who knew how to take advantage against his opponents..

[@thomasloper1205]

Pete has stayed out of the public eye basically since he retired so for him to come out with a public message shows how impactful Roger has been to him. Pete is not saying this to gain attention for himself. Shows you how special we all feel Roger is.

[@kimcornelissen1529]

was thinking the same thing.

[@mbarrett99]

Glad to see Pete, it's true that he doesn't often make appearances like this.

[@snickaren111]

Great comment, agree fully.

[@nikimiranda4290]

Pete gave a wonderful tribute to Roger! Well said! Pete Sampras, you too gave this sport a big lift!

[@Cla_Disney]

Wow I was just thinking about Pete and how he disappered from the public eye after his retirement in contrast with what Roger said about not wanting to disappear reassuring all his fans. And here's Pete with his heartfelt message to Roger. So pleasantly suprised by him! It was very unexpected.

[@fishbuddy663]

It was ironic.

[@hs0022]

When Sampras retired he also left a huge void in our hearts. Now Fed. Thanks to both.

[@Dolfan189]

From one class act to another both Pete Sampras and Roger Federer exemplified what true professionals they were. Neither of them ever acted like they were bigger than the game. Never having to call attention to themselves as some players feel the need to do. Great role models to be sure.

[@aehmerchant]

Wow what a heartfelt and true message. Thank you Pete

[@spartan2188]

Great tribute. I miss Pete as well. He was so amazing to watch. It's sad when legends of a sport have to retire, but eventually they have to move on with the next phase of their life and create room for new amazing players to emerge. I'll miss Fed, I'll miss Nadal, and I'll miss Djokovic when they all retire. These three guys have created the "golden age" of tennis.

[@user-jv9qz2bu1r]

I miss Safin and Nalbandian and Rios as well

[@Will-nb8qk]

Pistol Pete retired much earlier than Federer. Maybe pistol could have grabbed 20 had he played on with the medical technology they had to keep current players long in the game.

[@gregd6022]

Really cleaned himself for this tribute... so respectful.

[@chiefscheider]

"Pistol" looks like he just rolled out of bed after a night of tossing and turning 😄

[@jm7804]

He looks way older than his 51 years. Still love Pete though. One of the best big match players of all time.

[@oliveroshea5765]

Two giants of sport, both the epitome of class and style

[@federerforever874]

Pete Sampras was the reason I picked up a tennis racket and Roger was the reason I carried on playing when Pete Retired in 2002. Both Legends and both Class acts. They both took Tennis to another level.

[@eddymarville4633]

For me the real Greatest. In 1997 for some who know tennis, no one could beat him. Even the great Federer from 2004. Sampras is the greatest, he has the strongest era.

[@michisch2000]

Reading this comment I feel so satisfied because it is how i have been feeling for the past 20+ years and been mocked for it on most occasions due to the lack of comprehension of the circumstances by others

[@AUDIONOIR100]

It was a changing of the guard if there ever was one... Sampras - to Federer! Irrespective of slams won, they were both extraordinary players. Absolutely incredible! So lucky to have seen them both play live!

[@lavedadavis818]

HUGE Sampras fan!! Tennis and I go way back. Back to when the shorts were short and the rackets were like toothpicks. I watched that match between Sampras and Roger. Was EPIC!! The torch was passed that day. All of the tributes to Roger are beautifully done. His impact is profoundly magical. No one can fill his shoes. THANKS PETE!! THANKS ROGER!! Superb sportsmanship over the years from both gentlemen!!!

[@edkiely2712]

Pete knows! Great gesture by him to wish Roger the best! I have a feeling we will see them together at some exhibition event that Roger creates in the future. Look forward to it!

[@jagjitsinghmanku2283]

What a match that was in 2001. Just WOW. Such a shame that their paths didn’t cross a little bit more. From both thank you for the memories 🙏

[@aleskatic431]

Pete was my tenis hero but Roger took that to another level. A true gentelman, rarest of them all, son, husband and father who always kept his promise and gave his all to al of us.

[@B_Amit]

Sampras is Also Great As Fed... He is My Fave Along Side Federer🤩🤩

[@baillar100]

Sampras and Federer are two of the finest exemplars of sportsmanship the world has ever seen.

[@brianburrmusic8026]

People under estimate the incredible quality of the field Pete had to beat to win 14 GS's, and be the #1 for as long as he was. It was far from just Agassi. Any one of 10-12 guys could and did win majors in that period. In my opinion, Pete faced the toughest competition of Champions to be the dominant player he was.

[@Will-nb8qk]

Federer, Nadal and Djokovic had to play each other for 20 years.

[@klejbroda]

My childhood idol, legendary Pistol Pete thanking legendary Roger Federer for what he's done for the sport. What a treat.

[@spirg]

2 ambassadors to how the game should be played ...i doubt youll see the likes again, sadly, was fortunate enough to meet Pete in person, back in'98 , photo too !!! Great, down to earth guy...

[@sauronthegreat5799]

Legends congratulating legends. So nice. Such gentlemen.

[@notta3d]

Nicely said Pete.

[@stevet9938]

"Former tennis player" that understates it a little bit 😄 Pete is one of the greats and that was a really nice tribute 👍

[@RFED2O]

Now that's pure pure class from The Pistol 🔫

[@jemmygho5900]

Another living legend. Tq pete for making us fall in love with tennis in the first place. We are lucky enough to see the legacy and contribution of you and roger and so many other great players over the years. Making us fall in love with the great game of tennis. Tq all we love you always and looking fwd to the next generations of young players to wow us again .

[@robertoparada677]

From one class act to another. Pete was the most dominant player of his generation I ever saw. I always felt that Pete left at least 3 to 4 majors on the table retiring when he did. Had he realized it at the time the potential rivalry with this emerging great, he would have been rejuvenated and keep going. Pistol Pete's attacking style is sorely missed in the game and I can only hope someone great will revive the serve and volley game, but no one will probably play it as great as Pete Sampras.

[@CHICVOYAGE]

wonderful from one legend to another

[@leilu6774]

You are my inspiration of tennis in first player back 30 years ago. Thanks Pistol.

[@UTUBE3JC]

Omg bro he even compelled Sampras to say something

[@crisalexx109]

This was truly an honorable, awesome & heartfelt appreciation of one Pete to Roger that shows true champions go on forever long after playing has come to ah closing chapter. Thank you Pete & I know this is a special & cherished send off amongst to awesome friends & folks that us as fans you allowed us to feel in this moment here. All the best to you & family & hey..".Now you Roger & Martina Hingis & Federer & Mirka have to enjoy making some fun tennis commercials for fun together "..Ok Ciao 4 Now, Bye ✨

[@forafewdollarsmore]

Pure class this from Sampras, just shows the levels of respect all these tennis legends have for Federer!

[@KaYnBaE]

Beautiful farewell speech ❤️

[@Mike-B.]

Very well said. Got to love Pete.

[@gautamyadav5393]

What a speech by a legend for a legend

[@robinchapman5932]

Pete,Thank you for getting me into watching Tennis. "What a joy!!"❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@zacharysbrennan5376]

Well done Pistol! Miss you and the Agassi days, another classic era of tennis!

[@felixy23]

Love their games, both are legends

[@jackdanielss]

A very rare tennis comment from the Pistol

[@thepsychologist8159]

Well that's because he wouldn't do this for just any player, plus Federer only just retired. Hence the rarity of it.

[@kjellbergvall4605]

Second to Roger, Pete is my favourite..also a lot of grace and class…❤️

[@batukilinch7754]

what a class act gentleman

[@fishbuddy663]

My favorites growing up: Lendl, Sampras, Federer. Is it the one-handed backhand? Probably. It's also the amazing skills these three possessed as they used some of the heaviest racquets with the some of the smallest head sizes to hit the ball for an endless amount of winners. That fact right there about the racquets they used versus those players using ones with much larger head sizes is another major reason these three players stand out for me. They had to be that much more talented with the hardware with which they had chosen to play.

[@chiefscheider]

For me it was Stefan Edberg aka The Smooth Swede 👍

[@miab6045]

I liked Federer and Sampras play style (one hand backhand and serving) that very few players have nowadays.

[@lipikamit]

Beautiful.. One G.O.A.T to another

[@d_lydian]

What a wonderful message from his idol! Wow! -🥲🥲

[@freewilly41307]

Very nice words and fantastic commentary from a former champion. Pete, I hope you’re doing well in your life and retirement, you brought a great deal to the game yourself, always the gentleman and keeping a cool head. You should be proud of yourself as well, you have a great legacy to claim as your very own.

[@Blacklabs2000]

Pete was hitting 125 MPH second serve bombs in that match! Still, IMO, the best grass court player ever.

[@simonlesorcier]

Two great champions!

[@yourstruly5DA]

A legend paying tributes to another!!! Pistol Pete - you are a great champion yourself. And gracious enough to acknowledge Federer's greatness.

[@atarumoroboshi75]

You even more…❤ Andre once said, after a resounding final loss at US Open "Today Pete walked on water..." other genius 😂😍

[@danieletammurello7177]

No. It was after the wimbledon final in 99 😊

[@atarumoroboshi75]

@@danieletammurello7177 Sicuro…? Ero quasi sicuro fosse agli US

[@danieletammurello7177]

@@atarumoroboshi75 l’ho letto proprio oggi pensa, per caso 😄

[@atarumoroboshi75]

@@danieletammurello7177 Hai ragione era W99 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 in un'ora e 55 minuti 😅

[@danieletammurello7177]

@@atarumoroboshi75 io poi da fan di Andre rosicavo sempre perchè Pete era ingiocabile 😃

[@b.willisfederer8720]

And when Roger beat Pete in Wimbledon, Sampras was the recordman of titles there, winning 7 of the last 8 editions, and he was the quadruple champion in title, so, that wasn't a small victory against someone who didn't know how to play on grass or didn't win on it since 84 years.

[@georgepalavi5060]

Good to see you Pete! You have been my all-time favorite, but I will now add Roger to that list to make two.

[@adrianops7]

So gracious...

[@hymansahak181]

Amazing Pistol Pete. Your retirement left a big void in my heart and now Roger, your student it seems as your games are so similar. Pete’s greatness is often acknowledged by today’s players, recently at the Wimbledon champions celebration by both Roger and Novak. Pete has to be the greatest “offensive player” of all time in my book.

[@ahahm]

From one legend to another!! Awesome!!

[@albabylonyabnsumer4648]

From a legend of the game to another great legend of the sport , two amazing personalities and mutual respect 👌that’s what’s called beautiful sport and great ambassadors

[@davidbocanegraramirez9480]

Pete class act

[@Wodz30]

I was at those Asia matches. What a treat to even have both of those amazing greats on the same court

[@quentincrisp6933]

Sampras had the greatest serve in the game. It was the most clutch! Fed is the best player we ever laid eyes on during his 2004-2007 run hands down!

[@laedwards49]

Wishing Pete the best in life after tennis He looks at peace too. I don't think I ever heard him describe the loss against Federer like that. He always acknowledged that Roger beat him fair and square, but Pete had that match on his racket at one point. So, much admiration for this tribute.

[@tobiasgoldman]

What a great tribute.

[@kathleen4376]

We miss you too Pete. Great job describing Federer’s career and character !

[@domizietek7156]

Pete ❤️

[@aiturran]

Roger was the heir to Sampras, and surpassed him in so many ways. In class, elegance and humanity. Thank you Pete, thank you Roger.

[@jacokyle0160]

Pete has definitely lost a lot of heir since last time we saw him

[@mrmotel9977]

Well said Pete... He will be missed as were you!

[@user-xg4td3gg7e]

I do miss watching pistol Pete. Thanks for the Entertainment and memories. 😉

[@marysawyer4041]

Loved Tennis when you were out there playing . Miss those days 👏🏻⏰😍

[@Joseph-be3tv]

Pete was my idol and hero growing up learning how to play tennis! Always was drawn to his amazing game and rooted for him in every match he played. Never got the opportunity to see him play live but I sure wish I did. Thanks Pete for so many years of unbelievable tennis, and same to Roger Federer who became my favorite player after Pete. You guys are truly inspirational!!

[@Carol0000P]

It’s because of Pete Sampras that I became a lover of tennis. I still rewatch his games on KZbin and like Roger left the game in good hands so did Pete (may I dare say he left it with the greatest of hands…)❤

[@martinkennedy2400]

...class player class person

[@dillonsolanki4986]

Pete you were the best!

[@VL1975]

Two of my favorites of all time. Sampras and Federer.

[@chrismellon127]

Love Pete!!! Well spoken. Just a true athlete!!

[@PeiqiLi-RealLove]

Love u pete

[@Арошка-п1п]

Would like to hear his analysis about Djokovic now. There was an interview where he thought 18,19 grand slams would be a pinnacle for the big three.

[@jk-zh1zg]

A wonderful greeting and expression of respect in a unique way. Both players are among the few really greats and both have remained wonderful people.

[@rayanakarmali9177]

Lovely message

[@ירוןארד]

I loved how he called himself "Pistol"..

[@rangamurali7667]

Classy tribute from Pete, the great, the most formidable player on the court and former world number 1. Roger Federer idolized Pete and incorporated Pete style over-the-head smash to win a point, on his way to shaping up to be a world class tennis player and a cut above all!

[@michaelb7740]

What a great speach from Pete. Really one of the greatest players on the court and my personal favourite. Pete was a great ambassador for tennis and so loved to see him play. Always a gentleman and love his style

[@javagirl]

Very nice!

[@stevel.2759]

Sampras the Goat in his prime.

[@jazz19101]

Wow great tribute and ackowledgment that when he lost to Roger at Wimbledon in 2001 that he met his match. Pete and Roger were not only the greatest players of all time but they had great sportsmanship and attracted a lot of fans for their skill and style. Pete needs to make an instructional video. How to serve, how to hit a forehand, how to volley etc.

[@teegees]

I gotta say Tennis is quite unique in that all the top players, while being competitive rivals, are ultimately very respectful of each other and even friends. I can’t think of another individual sport where this is clearly evident.

[@chiefscheider]

Golf

[@gibbleway]

The longevity of endurance of Federer, as Pete alludes to is worth respecting in it's own right.

[@phenomenalredeem.9105]

Great seeing and hearing from the big Pete Sampras 🎾🎾🎾 . Big ⭐✨.

[@yflu]

Gooood Pete❤

[@danikeg2870]

This is this Human side of Roger I also love so much and still admire . And this is the evidence of beautifull human side of Pete.Thank you both❤

[@UkMarcy]

Pete, best tennis player of all time with Roger and Rafa.

[@oopesh]

What a wonderful speech! Class act about class act

[@Mmoran64]

I remember watching that match between Pete & Roger and Pete took some heat for losing it, but to Pete's credit he did not make any excuses and told the commentators that Roger was the real deal beat him fair and square. Tennis has many great role models. Pete is right tennis is in good hands Alcaraz, Ruud, Sinner and many more keeping it exciting and representing the sport well.

[@ralfnorenberg3130]

compare the rivals pete and roger had in their careers........

[@sharonpiper2253]

Yes, Roger will be greatly missed! Quite a man!

[@sportscastercanada]

This is awesome. Love his acknowledgement. ❤