I had always wanted to see a rematch of the pivotal match Federer and Sampras played in 2001. With great anticipation, I watched the encore presentation of this morning’s Supermatch in Asia.

Roger won the first game at love as he did in 2001. I quickly wondered if this was going to be short, embarassing, disappointing for fans. But Pete quickly won his serve at love making everyone ohh and ahh as his serve and volley game was still world class.

Sampras broke first at 2 all.

At 4-3 Rodger started to show why serve and volley has weined in recent years as Roger was able to pass Pete multiple times from the backhand as well as dipping the returns at Pete’s shoelaces. A Federer squash shot won Roger the ‘break back’ to go 4 all.

Starting the 4-5 game with a double fault and a netted backhand volley, as Sampras had done 6 years ago, Pete saved one set point, before being passed by Roger with a solid backhand pass giving Federer the first set.

On a separate note, an interesting ad campaign was launched during the match. A gismo promoted by Brad Gilbert that promises to let you know what it feels like to hit a tennis ball like a pro. I may just order one of these “wristassist” devices.

The first game of the second set started with hard groundstroke rallies and multiple deuce points before Federer pulled out the game with a string of well placed serves.

The mood changed when Federer won a point by fetching two of Pete’s overheads before Pete missed the third overhead wide left. Roger was still smiling as Pete turned his back and later fist pumped after he took the game on the next point. Again, very similar to the 2001 Wimbledon Sampras fist pumps. It was very clear, this exhibition match was turning serious for Sampras and Roger’s game rose to a new level as well.

At 1-2, Pete again started a service game with an errant backhand volley, double fault and an Ace. Down 15-40 again, Pete saved one break point with a high backhand volley winner, but lost the game with his third netted backhand volley.

Pete’s intensity went up another level winning his next service game at love while Roger tried to lighten the mood by heading the tennis ball like Zidane to the ball boy.

Federer held each serve to finish out the match 6-4, 6-3. Given that Sampras credits his loss to Edberg as pivotal to gaining motivation, I expect the Thanksgiving battle to be contested intensly from the very first point and would not be surprised if Pistol Pete walks away with the W.

Look for Passion Pete walk on the court Thanksgiving morning.

David Wray

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