Federer or Sampras

Roger Federer has equalled Pete Sampras world record of 14 grand slam titles, and joined the elite group of players, winning all the four major grand slam tournaments (including the French open, which Sampras never won). Federer is still young, and may go on the win more grand slam tournaments, but does that make his the greatest?

This is a topic which the entire world might be debating, but before passing any judgement, there are some facts which we need to consider.

Sampras (on way to his 14 grand slam titles), faced mighty opposition in the likes of Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Stefan Edberg, Boris Becker and Patrick Rafter. The other noted players of his era were the likes hard hitting Richard Kraijicek, Kafelnikov, Ivanisevic, Michael Stitch etc.

Federer (on his way to 14 grand slam titles), didn’t quite face the same levels of opposition (except Nadal), seeing his easy victories he has had. The players during the era of Federer are Hewitt, Safin, Roddick, Fererro, Murray.

Now, if we compare (grand slam titles)

Andre Agassi (8) vs Andy Murray (0)

Stefan Edberg (6) vs Andy Roddick (1)

Boris Becker (6) vs Marat Safin (2)

Jim Courier (4) vs L. Hewitt (2)

This implies that that the opposition faced by Sampras, were way-superior than opposition faced by Federer. To term Federer the greatest ever, is questionable.

Citing an example from Cricket, whom would you rate the best test cricketer ever, Sachin Tendulkar or Brian Lara? Even though Sachin has more hundreds, more runs, better average, but would it be right to term Sachin as a better test batsman than Brian Charles Lara? If you think Sachin is the greatest, than you can say Federer is the greatest, but if you think Lara is the greatest; then you would also have to agree that Sampras is the greatest!