Roger Federer and Pete Sampras Showdown at the Garden : March 10, 2008

I was fortunate to see Pete Samras battle Roger Federer at the Nets/Jets showdown event at the Garden this past week. It was perhaps my only chance to witness the all time greats of their era play together.

The atmosphere and excitement at the Garden was electrifying and the level of play very competitive. The pre game show had the likes of John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl, Pat McEnroe, Billy Jean King and Roy Emerson on stage, which was a thrill unto itself.

I like Federer, but I was rooting for Sampras. Much of my game prediction (or hopes) came true. Roger led the match with the first set. I wanted 3 sets and so did the Garden crowd. The second set went to the tie breaker, which Pete won. I was hoping for a 3rd set tie breaker and this is exactly what happened.

I was disappointed with the end result, especially when Pete was leading 5 - 2. All he had to do was win another game. But Roger stormed back and went on to win the tie breaker. No wonder he is the best player in the world.

I wonder if both players gave it their all. At times, the mood was playful and at times very competitive. To be able to see tennis with the likes of Federer and Sampras at the Garden was truly memorable. To have tennis back at MSG after a decade was sweet indeed. Celebrity sightings included Tiger Woods, Donald Trump, Regis Philbin.

I still have not gotten over it. I wanted Pete to win so badly. Especially when he was just 1 game away leading 5-2 to win the match. To have been retired from competitive tennis for over 5 years, Pete still has his devastating serve and volley game on par with the best.

Federer won 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (6)

I would hope to see an Agassi (my all time favorite tennis player) encounter with either Federer or Sampras one day.

All in all, it was a treat for all tennis fans to witness Pete and Roger play at the Garden. I hope they do this a few more times.

Photos : Getty Images : AP