(Provided by Tennis World USA)
Former 18-time Grand Slam champion in doubles Leander Paes claims the first time he watched Roger Federer against Pete Sampras, he knew the Swiss was destined to break the American tennis icon’s Grand Slam record. In 2002, Sampras won his 14th Grand Slam title at the US Open and retired from pro tennis with the all-time Grand Slam record.
When Sampras retired, some believed his Grand Slam record untouchable. But then, Federer won his first Grand Slam title at 2003 Wimbledon. Six years later – again at Wimbledon – Federer won his 15th Grand Slam title and officially beat Sampras’ record.
Paes asked who is the GOAT, explains how he knew Federer would do big things
“I will give you an answer, a little quirky [one]. Everyone talked about Pete Sampras being the GOAT. And the first time Roger Federer played Pete Sampras, I was like, ‘This guy’s gonna whoop all his records.’
He not only levelled, but beat his record at Wimbledon, and at the others. But if we had to talk in the modern times, in the women’s game, Serena Williams will always be the GOAT. Martina Navratilova, one of my favourite friends and one of my most favourite doubles partners, will always be…
