KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21: Former world number one Pete Sampras on Wednesday said he had no plans to return to professional tennis after being defeated by top-ranked Roger Federer in an exhibition match.

“No. That is an easy answer,” the 36-year-old American told reporters ahead of Thursday’s showpiece match at the Malawati Stadium, just west of the capital Kuala Lumpur as part of a three-match exhibition tour across Asia.

They will play a one-off match here as part of Malaysia’s 50th anniversary celebrations of independence from Britain.

“I still feel I can serve well and impose a bit of my will. But we are seeing fewer players really serve – most hit the ball hard and heavy – few are really serving,” said Sampras.—AFP