Sampras closes gap, Federer hangs on for win

The third time may be the charm for a stubborn Pete Sampras after the Grand Slam record holder closed the gap on world No. 1 Roger Federer in a 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5) loss in the second of three exhibition matches, which took place Thursday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The top-ranked Swiss star won their last encounter 6-4, 6-3 in South Korea on Tuesday.

Their age difference became the decisive factor — at 26, Federer was never in danger of losing against an opponent a decade older who retired from competitive tennis five years ago.

Nevertheless, Sampras, who has won a record 14 Grand Slams, showcased his big serves and hit fierce forehand returns down the line — the hallmarks of his 1990s heyday.

The pair traded point for point in both sets in Malaysia's Malawati Stadium, where Sampras had the crowd gasping at his ability to prevent Federer from steamrolling over him.

"I was impressed with Pete tonight," Federer told reporters. "He played some unbelievable shots, but then again he is capable of doing that. He had an incredible serve which was so difficult to read tonight.”

Sampras acknowledged Federer's superiority in the match.

"I am happy with my performance tonight. I hung in there right until the end," he said.

They are playing three Asian exhibition matches this week that will culminate in a final get-together in Macau on Saturday.