Tennis’ Past and Present Meet in Seoul

Roger Federer (26, Switzerland) and Pete Sampras (36, USA) will meet on the court in Korea this year.

They were born ten years apart and are regarded the best tennis stars in the world in their prime. This year, tennis fans in Korea will be able to see them live in action. Excitement for the upcoming competition between the greatest tennis players of the past and present is rising.

Federer, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, and former title-holder Sampras will be playing in the “Hyundai Card Super Match VI” at the Olympic Tennis Center at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium on November 20.

This will be the first exhibition held between the two, and already speculation about the outcome has begun.

Federer is returning to Korea a year after his match against Rafael Nadal (Spain), ranked No. 2 in last year’s world ranking. “I’m pleased to return to Korea after the incredible encouragement and support I received from 10,000 Korean fans last year. My heart’s racing at the thought of meeting my idol, Pete Sampras.”

This will be Sampras’ first visit to Korea. Sampras also revealed his excitement toward the upcoming match. “It is a unique feeling to know I am going to compete against someone who will break my records very soon,” he stated.

Their match in Seoul is a prologue of their Asia Tour, which includes exhibitions in Korea, Malaysia, and Macao.

Federer has won 11 Grand Slam men’s singles titles and accumulated 50 career titles on the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Tour.

Pete Sampras holds the current record for Grand Slam men’s singles titles (14 titles). His prime was in the 1990’s when won 64 career titles before his retirement in 2003. Sampras has returned to the court for senior tours.

Both Federer and Sampras are known for their powerful serves and volleys. They display many similarities in their games, excelling on the grass courts at Wimbledon, where Sampras won the singles’ title seven times and Federer is reigning champion for the fifth consecutive year. On the other hand, neither hold any titles on the clay court of the French Open.

The two players have met only once before, in the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2001. After 3 hours and 41 minutes, Federer beat Sampras, 3-2.

kjs0123@donga.com