World number one Roger Federer will play Pete Sampras in an exhibition match in Kuala Lumpur in November to celebrate Malaysia's 50th year of independence, organisers said.

Swiss Federer, who trails the American's record of 14 grand slam titles by four, will take on the 35-year-old former world number one in a match billed as the 'Clash of the Times'.

"I hold the record for most Grand Slam titles ever but I am confident that Roger will break that record some day," Sampras said in a statement.

"For us to play each other while I am still young enough to play very competitively is truly special.

"Having this take place in Asia is remarkable for tennis," he said.

Federer and Sampras faced each other just once on the ATP Tour when the Swiss won a five-set match in the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2001 to end the American's 31-match unbeaten run at the All England Club.

"To play against Pete is a dream come true," Federer said in a statement. "I am so excited to play Pete and I am really looking forward to visiting Malaysia for the first time."

The exhibition match on Nov 22 is part of the Merdeka (Independence) Tennis Challenge that includes the inaugural Malaysia Open Championship and a second-tier Challenger tour event.

Something that always strikes me about Federer and Sampras is the massive amount of mutual respect they seem to have. A lesson that the trolls would do well to learn.

"For us to play each other while I am still young enough to play very competitively is truly special.


I hope he's not deluding himself.... :wacko:

I am also confident that Roger will will break that record some day.
I dunno about it being competitive though :P

Groan :( :( All this will do is cause arguaments between their fans. I think i will stay off the boards for a few weeks after that match