CAMELOT FANTASIES

herc, re: prime Federer vs prime Sampras on grass - I think I can go with 5-2 as you suggested last night. I know Andy wasn't in superb form at the AO but the way Federer was serving in that match, even Andy, a great returner was having problems breaking Federer's serve. I do think a great serve trumps a great return. And Federer has half the return game as Agassi so I don't see how he'll be able to break Sampras' serve when Agassi wasn't able to do it. And it's going to put a lot more pressure on Federer's own serve. Add the mental strength on clutch moments and Sampras comes on top again. Even if Federer gets a break point, there's no telling if he'll be able to convert it since Sampras was very good at saving breakpoints with either Ace or nonreturnable serve. I see Sampras trumping Federer on grass, hard, and carpet. I give clear edge Federer on clay. But on an one on one basis where things matter on that single match, you never want to count a prime Sampras out, as he has beaten the likes of Muster, Courier, Brugerea on clay at RG. Personally I do think Sampras would come on top over the likes of Federer, Nadal, Nole etc. on  most surfaces.

excellent points emma.

also like I have suggested even if nobody breaks then the match is decided in the breakers.


and in the breakers one has to give the edge to Sampras. his serve was not just big. it was the best serve in history.


and a slight edge to Sampras in the testicular fortitude department so that has to be taken into account in close contests.