Who faced tougher competition Roger Federer, or Pete Sampras?

Question

I would say Federer's main competition is....
1) Nadal
2) Roddick
3) Nalbandian
4) Safin
5) Coria
6) Agassi

Sampras faced...
1) Agassi
2) Edberg
3) Becker
4) Rafter
5) Lendl
6) Kafelnikov

Answer 1

Sampras hands down!! He was actually challenged where Federer has not been.

Answer 2

I think it is easier to say Sampras at this point , but that is only because 3 of those guys are already in the Hall of Fame and Agassi is going in for sure. Drysdale an Aussie and McEnroe an American who both know the game as well as anyone say it is Federer. Coria does not really belong in that group he flamed out pretty quick Federer beat Sampras when Fed was only nineteen on Grass which was probably Sampras's best surface also, even though he won his 14th major at the Open. I really do believe that each generation of male tennis players has gotten better and deeper and the athletes are hitting bigger serves and forehands and are in better shape then in the past , but on the other hand that is a tough list that Sampras was playing . The only shot that I think Sampras was better at was the Serve , but if you were or are going to have one shot that would be the one you would want. Toss up , it has to be looked at again in 10 years.

Answer 3

Sampras, without a doubt! Your list confirms the kind of competition Pistol Pete faced and conquered.

Though I would like to add that Roger Federer has no peer at this time.

But hey, it will be close if Pete and Federer express go head to head.

Answer 4

Sampras hands down.!!
Federer has played a bunch of low ranked srcubs.

Answer 5

Sampras for sure.
Federer has lived on weaker guys.

Answer 6

Sampras. This was the easiest question of the day.

Answer 7

I think sampras faced btter challenge agaasi,edberg,becker make wining really difficult .I fact aggasi was at his peak during that time and on decline while fedrer arrived.But hats off to fedrer he is a mind blowing player

Answer 8

Sampras period! No brainer.