Federer is the best, says Agassi

NEW YORK – Andre Agassi was in no doubt, US Open champion Roger Federer is the best player he has ever gone up against.

The 35-year-old veteran had just witnessed first-hand the Swiss star’s brilliance when he defended his title here with a 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7/1), 6-1 win. “Pete (Sampras) was great, no question,” he said.”But there was a place to get to with Pete.It could be on your terms.”There’s no such place with Roger.I think he’s the best I’ve played against.”At 24, Federer is now set on a Tiger Woods-like pursuit of the ultimate goal in his chosen sport.For Woods it is the 18 Grand Slam titles of Jack Nicklaus.He currently stands on 10.For Federer it is the 14 Grand Slam titles of Sampras.The man from Basel now has six, with, health permitting, more to come.Agassi’s comments that he was better than Sampras did raise an eyebrow from Federer when he followed him at the post-final press conference.It’s back to business for Federer on his return to Switzerland as he represents his country in a Davis Cup clash with Britain and then he heads to Asia to play in the Thailand Open.-Nampa-AFP”Pete (Sampras) was great, no question,” he said.”But there was a place to get to with Pete.It could be on your terms.”There’s no such place with Roger.I think he’s the best I’ve played against.”At 24, Federer is now set on a Tiger Woods-like pursuit of the ultimate goal in his chosen sport.For Woods it is the 18 Grand Slam titles of Jack Nicklaus.He currently stands on 10.For Federer it is the 14 Grand Slam titles of Sampras.The man from Basel now has six, with, health permitting, more to come.Agassi’s comments that he was better than Sampras did raise an eyebrow from Federer when he followed him at the post-final press conference.It’s back to business for Federer on his return to Switzerland as he represents his country in a Davis Cup clash with Britain and then he heads to Asia to play in the Thailand Open.-Nampa-AFP