Great war: Roger Federer beat Pete Sampras

The world's former number one tennis player was no match for the current champion when they met on court Tuesday for only the second time.In an exhibition match in the South Korean capital, Roger Federer beat Pete Sampras 6-4, 6-3 in a match lasting just 61 minutes.

Serving for the match leading 5-3, Federer was stretched to deuce when he badly mishit a return on 40-30. But he won the next two points for the victory. After taking the first set 6-4, Federer took four of the first five games in the second set. Sampras showed signs of life in the sixth, winning it easily with the help of his booming serve. But the 36-year-old American could only muster one more game against the 26-year-old Swiss, whose effortless performance demonstrated why he has been the world number one for four years running.

The Swiss ace is at the peak of his powers, lifting his fourth Masters Cup title on Sunday, whereas Sampras retired from the professional game in 2002.But the American legend had been working hard on getting back in shape and is unbeaten in three starts on the Jim Courier Outback Champions seniors tour, his first serious tennis since hanging up his racket.

"It was a little tricky situation. I'd been playing well and Pete's been retired for five years," Federer said. "I expected myself to win tonight. "I am very happy with my performance but I think Pete's still playing very, very well." In a fast-paced opening set the two players traded two games apiece before Sampras broke Federer's serve in the fifth game.

The American won the following game with his signature serve and volley attack to establish an early advantage. But Federer came back to win the next four games and the set, breaking his opponent's serve twice in the process with an array of shots. Sampras, known for his powerful serve in his playing days, hit 10 aces in the match compared to Federer's six and put up a good fight. But it was not enough."I feel a little disappointed," Sampras said.

"But I made Roger sweat a little bit tonight. "I can still serve quite well but the hardest thing for me is movement," the former number one said. "I was a little careless up on the net and missed a few easy balls. But I think I will play well in the next match."Federer admitted he was "tensed up a bit" because he was facing one of his heroes. But once he found his rhythm, the Swiss was off and running. "When I found my range, Pete missed a few too many shots," Federer said.

"I was maybe lucky to win the first set. Then I got on a roll and started to relax. I enjoyed the match very much." The two met at competitive level only once in their careers, in the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2001.Next up for Sampras and Federer in their three-match exhibition series is Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. Their final Asian stop is Macau on Saturday.

Federer's stature grows and grows

With three more Grand Slams and another Masters Cup title, it looks like business as usual for Roger Federer. But the results mask a watershed in what the Swiss calls a "breakthrough" year.
Federer, top-ranked for four seasons now, has gone for a radical new approach, shedding his coach and slimming down his schedule as he sets his sights on dominating tennis for the foreseeable future.

There have been hiccups, including defeat here to Fernando Gonzalez. But after breathtaking performances against Andy Roddick, Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer, Federer's stature is not only undiminished, it has grown.

"Roger is the best in history," said Ferrer, vanquished 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in Sunday's final.

"He did it all: serve, volley, slice. I was never comfortable on the court. I don't return badly but when Federer serves on line, I can't do anything."

No one who watched the impeccable Swiss would disagree. And the new approach, similar to Tiger Woods adapting his swing, should now extend the career of tennis's greatest champion.

"It's been in some ways a breakthrough year for me," he said.

"Maybe I didn't win 10 titles, but it's not necessary to stay number one in the world all the time. If I keep this level of play up, I'm in a great position for next year as well."

Federer's fourth Masters Cup title in five consecutive finals was all the more impressive given his late-season wobble, crashing twice against David Nalbandian before losing again here.

But neither success or failure seem to surprise the unflappable Swiss, who said he expected a tough few weeks and, aged only 26, is mature enough to learn from his mistakes.

"I didn't read the press that closely and listen to what the people said that much," he said. "I hear rumours that people are talking to some degree.

"I knew the reasons why I lost. It's very important to analyse it frankly and openly to yourself.

"I think in the long run that's a good thing. I turned it around. I'm happy to have proved myself yet again."

Federer is now in danger of pulling away from his rivals, demolishing his closest competitor Nadal here for his third win against the world number two this year -- and on three different surfaces.

"He killed me," Nadal admitted after their semi-final.

"It was crazy play, inside the court and not making any mistakes. Nothing to say, just congratulate him."

Federer takes the applause, but insists his victories are built on hard work and professionalism.

"I practised hard to get this level. This is really what it comes down to for me," he said. "I'm professional. I believe in my chances. I believe my way of handling my career is the right one.

"And, of course, when it all comes together in a final like today, it's fantastic."

History is now the 12-time Grand Slam champion's biggest competition and the record of 14 held by Pete Sampras, whom he will meet in three exhibition matches this week, appears a formality.

"I wander around sometimes and all of a sudden I find myself in the room staring at the trophies and going through them," Federer said of the trophy room at his Switzerland home. "It's a good feeling."

After title number 53, victory understandably lacks the raw emotion of earlier wins. But Federer says he still takes pride in beating the best -- again, and again, and again.

"I didn't cry or anything on the court today," he said.

"But it was a nice victory, especially proving it to myself and the world that I can do it over and over again."