The return of Sampras, graceful movers and effort

It wasn't all fancy footwork and between-the-legs maneuvering for Sampras against Federer during last week's exhibitions. Getty Images

MAILBAG Jon Wertheim will answer questions from SI.com users in his mailbag every Wednesday. Your name: Your e-mail address: Your home town: Enter your question:

A quick 'Bag before heading off to Davis Cup. Next week we'll do our annual Baggie Awards. If any of you have submissions, feel free to pass them along....

While it was only an exhibition match and a best 2 out 3 match at that, I suspect that Federer's loss to Sampras in China this past week ought to re-ignite the GOAT discussion don't you think?

While Sampras showed some rust in his first match, the second match could truly have gone either way, and in the third match, Sampras (both 10 years older and 5 years retired) beats the current world number 1. What does that say about the depth of today's game?

It seems to me that it re-enforces the contention that Federer is as dominant as he is because he doesn't have much competition. And while I agree that he has a gorgeous, almost poetic game, winning ugly is just as effective (just ask Brad Gilbert).

While it is ultimately fruitless to compare one era to another, I have to think that if Federer were playing Sampras in his prime and Agassi without a chronic back injury, that he would not have had quite the same results. I mean, if Sampras can beat Federer now, what would he have done to him in his heyday?

-- Lilas Pratt, Marietta, Ga.

Most of the questions this week pertained to Sampras' win over Federer. I know this makes me sound jaded and lame but I can't get beyond the first sentence of Lilas' letter. It was "only an exhibition." And let's remember too that this was the final match of Federer's year, one that saw him win 68 matches and eight titles. A week before the exhibition circuit, Sampras was chilling in Beverly Hills. Federer was taking on Roddick, Ferrer and company in the Shanghai Masters Cup.

Don't get me wrong. Sampras ought to be pleased with his level of play. I spoke with one Hall of Famer before these exos and he predicted "Roger would give Pete a few games to keep it respectable." Clearly that didn't happen. Also, I can certainly see how this would breathe some life into the GOAT debate, which seems to die a little with each Federer Slam. Still, I'm not ready to speculate about heads-to-heads in their prime (or indict the current field) based on a few November exo results.

I will say this: at 36, Sampras -- even bolstered by last week's matches -- is unlikely to return. But you have to wonder if he's second-guessing himself for not playing Wimbledon in 2003-06. Have to think he may have a left a trophy on the table.

Hey, Jon, with the way Henin ended the season it begs the question -- which player has a better shot to win the Grand Slam in 2008? Federer or Henin? I have to lean towards Justine on this one.

-- Blake Redabaugh, Denver, Clo.

Interesting. Let's keep in mind that Federer came within ONE MATCH of pulling it off in 2007. (Unfortunately that match came in early June, so the quest ended early.) Also, Federer is the healthier player. But I think your point is well taken. Much as everyone adores The Mighty Fed, he's not the only player with a terrifically complete game, uncommon poise and an ability to play on any surface.

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