Federer to face Sampras to end the perfect season

The Swiss world number one leaves China with 1.2 million dollars, (818,000 euros) the keys to another luxury car and the satisfaction of lifting his fourth Masters Cup title out of five editions.

 For Federer, who owns eight trophys from 2007 and earned more than eight million dollars on court in another standout year, his test with Sampras will be a all about pride and tennis craftsmanship.

 The idea came together last spring when the pair hit on Sampras' backyard court in Los Angeles.

 The three-city circuit will offer both men a few millions in pocket change and thrill fans in Asia who will see the best of the past two tennis generations clash.

 "It's hard to compare different eras," said Federer, who may one day be classed as the best to ever play the game.

 "When Pete was on, he was absolutely one of the best. This is why I'm so excited to play against him actually.

 "It's a real thrill for me. It's a dream come true in some ways, playing him, not just on Centre Court, not in his backyard but also now in front of crowds, in front of everybody.

 "I think it's going to be a lot of fun for both of us."

    Federer, whose dozen career Grand Slam singles titles puts him just two shy of levelling on the all-time mark of 14 set by the American, beat Sampras in their only ATP meeting in 2001 at Wimbledon.

 That five-set victory announced the Swiss youngster to the world.

 Federer said that despite losing a week of off-season, he is not expecting anything less than a battle with the still-fit 36-year-old, a decade his senior.

 "It's going to be interesting to see how I'm handling his game, you know. I haven't seen the guy play, so that's his big strength of his.

 "He's seen me so many times. We forget sometimes how long he's been retired, five years now. And he still looks very healthy and fit.

 "I hope I can play well against him. He's still got the lethal forehand, the great slice and the great serve the fantastic movement and volleys."

   But the Swiss knows that upon reflection - at least over the December holidays - that he can look back on his season with pride at another job well done.

 "I'm professional, I believe in my chances. I believe in my way of handling my career is the right one.

 "And when it all comes together in a finals like against Ferrer, it's fantastic. I still would like to play a little bit more offensive, come to the net a little bit.

 "It's nice being at the top for so long. I really hope I can give tennis a lift, too, especially because this year has been maybe a bit of a struggle at times.

 "Hopefully more kids will start playing tennis in my home country, but also around the world. It's a great sport. It's a clean sport, and I hope that in the future it's going to stay this way," he said.

By Bill Scott, dpa