Federer pays tribute after spanking Sampras again

The Swiss champion, ten years the junior of 36-year-old Sampras, is two Grand Slam titles away from levelling on the all-time best of 14 set by the American. He is expected to match and likely surpass that record during 2008 if past form is any guide.

 Like Sampras, Federer has dominated at Wimbledon, winning the last five editions.

 But with his eye on tennis history, Federer praised Sampras as a top contender if he were to return to today's game.

 "If Pete were still playing, he's be top five. It's tough to read his serve."

   Federer beat Sampras this week on Tuesday in Seoul and faces the American, five years into a Beverly Hills retirement, on Saturday on the island of Macao.

 Sampras has denied that he is tempted to make a comeback after facing the best of the current sport. "I'm happy with a great wife and great two kids in Los Angeles," he said.