Sampras ready for record eclipse

London: Pete Sampras has long been preparing for the day when Roger Federer eclipses his record of 14 major tennis titles. He's now starting to come to grips with the fact that Rafael Nadal may be able to do it as well.

The 37-year-old Sampras, who is in London to play in a seniors tournament at the Royal Albert Hall, won the 2002 US Open in his last competitive match, giving him 14 Grand Slam championships. Federer has 13 and Nadal has five, including the last four French Open titles.

"If you think about it, Rafa's got as good a chance to win double digits as anyone," Sampras said on Tuesday.

"I think Roger's going to break this record over the next couple of years. I think Rafa, he could win some more French's, he could win a couple more Wimbledons. He could have 10 to 12 majors when he's done, if not more."

The 2008 season saw a shift on the tennis circuit from Federer's dominance to the ultimate rise of Nadal, who beat the former top-ranked Swiss to win both the French Open and Wimbledon and took over the No.1 ranking.

This year's Wimbledon final was considered one of the greatest matches of all time, with Nadal winning 9-7 in the fifth set in near darkness.

"One guy had to win. It was Rafa's year," said Sampras, who won seven titles at the All England Club.

"It was one of the best matches I've ever seen."

Interesting

But even though Nadal got the upper hand this past season - finally beating Federer on grass to snap his five-year winning streak at Wimbledon - Sampras believes Federer has plenty more titles to win.

"There's a lot left in him," Sampras said of Federer, whom he called a friend, adding they text each other regularly.

"I think he's gotten to a stage where it's about the majors."

As for next season, Sampras is already curious. "It'll be interesting to see what happens with Nadal next year," Sampras said.

"It takes so much work for him to keep it going, to stay healthy, to stay on top. That's one thing Roger has over him. I think it takes a lot less energy for Roger to stay on top."

Sampras also talked about Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, saying both are just a step below the top two players but a step above everyone else.

"He's right there with Nadal and Roger," Sampras said of the fourth-ranked Murray, adding that he hasn't been asked to give any advice to the British player.

"I do know what it takes to win Wimbledon, if he wants advice on that."

This week's BlackRock Masters tournament marks the first time Sampras has been to Britain since 2002, when he lost to George Bastl in five sets in the second round at Wimbledon.

"Last time I was here was a major low point, but I feel pretty good. At 37 I can still play pretty well," said Sampras.

Jankovic withdraws

World number one Jelena Jankovic is doubtful for the Sydney International tournament despite earlier confirming her entry, organisers said yesterday.

The 23-year-old Serb is still finalising her schedule for the early part of 2009 and has withdrawn from the official acceptance list, tournament director Craig Watson said in a statement.

"Players often end up re-arranging their schedules a number of times and Jelena has not finalised her plans for 2009 yet," Watson said, adding that she could still seek a wildcard into the January 11 to 17 event.

Although bothered by a series of niggling injuries throughout the year, Jankovic won four titles and reached her first grand slam final at the US Open before losing to Serena Williams.