February 01, 2007	Thursday	Muharram 12, 1428

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NEW YORK, Jan 31: Pete Sampras never expected his record of 14 Grand Slam singles crowns would be eclipsed so fast, but said he expects 10-time Slam winner Roger Federer to break his mark by 2009.

“Looks like it’s going to happen,” Sampras said. “I see him (Federer) passing me in the next couple of years and even taking it to 17 or 18 majors. I don't see two or three guys really threatening him. I think he’s just going to get better.”

‘Pistol Pete’ won seven Wimbledon titles, two Australian Open crowns and five US Open titles, including the 2002 championship in the final match of his career to establish a mark he thought would stand for a while.

“I thought it would take longer than seven or eight years,” Sampras said. “I did think 14 would be a tough number to surpass but he just kind of came in at the right time. He's playing tremendous tennis. I don't see him stopping now.”

Swiss star Federer won his 10th Grand Slam singles crown last Sunday at the Australian Open, defeating Chile's Fernando Gonzalez for his third Aussie title to become the first man since 1980 to win a Slam title without losing a set.

“Guys are going to have their moments against him but I just think he has got that extra gear that guys don't have,” Sampras said. “Even when he is not playing that well he just seems to find a way to win.

“I don't see anyone really pushing him. I just see him winning 17, 18, 19 majors. He has 10 already and he's in the middle of his career.

“It's just amazing what he has been able to do and how consistent he has been able to keep it up.”

Federer's game impresses Sampras even more since he is not watching from across a net. “Now that I'm sitting on my couch watching, I just kind of marvel at the things he has been able to do,” Sampras said. “Great mover, does things great off both sides of the court, can come in when he has to and has a pretty big first serve. He has the whole package. There is really nothing he can't do. He just makes it look easy.” –AFP