Can Rafter stop Sampras?

As Pete Sampras moves within one win of a record 13th Grand Slam title and his 7th Wimbledon title, only one man stands in his way - so can Pat Rafter stop Sampras?

In recent years 'Pistol' Pete Sampras has dominated tennis, in particular Wimbledon, and looks set to continue doing so well into the future.

Sampras has lost only once in the last eight years at Wimbledon and the experts are not expecting his awesome record to be blemished this year, but do you see Pat Rafter humbling the great man?

After a disappointing year through injuries, Rafter, seeded 12th, is playing some of the best tennis of his life.

On Friday, the Australian dispatched of number 2 seed Andre Agassi in a 5 set thriller and shattered expectations of an Agassi - Sampras final.

But is Rafter a match for the master of grass Sampras?

---

Rafter is good and is in great form, but it will take alot of class to beat the will power of the champion that is Sampras

Zahid, Saudi Arabia

I reckon Sampras is pretty much unstoppable, despite his injury. Rafter is good and is in great form, but it will take alot of class to beat the will power of the champion that is Sampras. Who cares if he is boring? His record at wimbledon is truly amazing, we wish Pete all the best!
Zahid, Saudi Arabia

I didn't believe that Sampras could win with his injury. I was a little bit surprised he was still in tournament! But now I think he will win against Rafter.
Jasiek, Poland

I think Pete is going to catch the trophy for the record time. We can just imagine his mental strength and toughness needed to overcome his injury.I think he is the one person who has kept his performance just the same all the time. I wish him glory today.
Ramesh Thamankar, Germany

If you compare the demenour of the two players on the court, you can see Rafter is a much better sportsman on and off the court

Prabu, Australia

If you compare the demenour of the two players on the court, you can see Rafter is a much better sportsman on and off the court. Remember the semi-final in the 1998 Us open? all Sampras did was whinge and whine about how his injury was the cause of his loss. Rafter, on the other hand, is a true gentleman and takes defeat well. On that basis alone, I hope Rafter comes through and does Australia proud.
Prabu, Australia

I would be quite happy that Patrick Rafter wins, he deserves it. I don't like all the fuss about Pete's health problems, he is not the only one. Pete is a champion, but remains outside, distant, arrogant, and likes it that everybody bows down in front of him. Patrick Rafter seems to be more human and humble, he generates more sympathy and more humanity. I do hope Patrick wins...
André Mortelmans, Québec, Canada

Pat Rafter adds a new dimension to the mens' game. He is able to live with the high power ground strokes of the worlds best tennis players but introduces a greater guile and creativity to the game. Sometimes his touch can make Sampras' seem heavy. He will have a very difficult task in the final but would make a very worthy champion.
Tom Shackleton, UK

Sampras will have a fight on his hands

Karen Fitz, Scotland

Rafter is one of the best players in the game today. He is a natural on grass and Sampras will have a fight on his hands.
Karen Fitz, Scotland

As has already been said, Pete Sampras thrives on challenges and has pulled out magnificent wins, despite professional and personal problems at times. Agassi's match with Philippoussis has shown how solid Andre's games is right now despite "experts" opinion about the high chances of other players winning the title. Pat Rafter is still missing something from his game to make him less predictable, but he's always there and perhaps in the next couple of years it could be his time.
Rod Aries, Scotland

No guy can beat him and if Rafter beats him this year, it's only because he's injured, he'll still win, as everyone knows he's got it

Umar Ali, England

I just wanted to say that Sampras was the best, is the best and will remain the best, no arguments please. So what if he's proud, he has every right to be, he's been champion 6 times! No guy can beat him and if Rafter beats him this year, it's only because he's injured, he'll still win, as everyone knows he's got it.
Umar Ali, England

I think Sampras is unbeaten, because he adjusts himself in the pace of every game and he's always focused without emotional exaggerations

Vassia, UK

I think Sampras is unbeaten, because he adjusts himself in the pace of every game and he's always focused without emotional exaggerations. He is a great athlete, physically and mentally, who is doing as much as he needs to win every game. And he performs even better under pressure... He seems to follow his ancestors' philosophy:'all things in moderation'!
Vassia, UK

Beating a reigning champion is never ever easy. Like beating Lindsay Davenport, a one-time winner of Wimbledon is tough. Beating a 6-time champion can be done, but you will really need to prise the title from his grip. That said, this assumes that Sampras will be fit enough to defend his title. If so, then he must start heavy favorite for the title.
G Krishnamurthy, India

Pete's performace over the last week has been satisfactory despite his injury. Wimbledon is his like his home, I am sure he will do everthing to win it for the seven time.
Weiss, USA

The only person capable of stopping Pete Sampras this year will be Pete himself

Simon Stewart, Scotland

The only person capable of stopping Pete Sampras this year will be Pete himself. He showed amazing character to fight back through an injury to then win his 3rd round match as if there was nothing wrong.
Simon Stewart, Scotland

---

I can't see Sampras winning this year because of that injury he picked up. Plus the fact that I reckon the pressure of being the leading Grand Slam title holder will exceed him. I think Pat Rafter might have the best chance. He's in superb form.
Prash, UK

The only thing that has a chance of stopping Sampras is an injury, and he has shown many times he can win despite being in pain

Beck, Australia

Sampras has struggled through his second and third round matches this year. He has looked very sluggish and now has the injury, but he should never be counted out because he simply thrives on challenges. I can see him go all the way simply because it's Wimbledon, it's his backyard.
Esther, Singapore

The only thing that has a chance of stopping Sampras is an injury, and he has shown many times he can win despite being in pain. Agassi can beat him, and Philippoussis was close last year, but they won't face Sampras until the final when he is absolutely unbeatable.
Beck, Australia

People say Sampras is boring, but at the end of the day he has a habit of winning. He lifts his game for Wimbledon every single year, and is practically unstoppable. I believe that Henman is capable of beating him, but I think Sampras will win this year again.
Pedro-Grande, Peru

Agassi is capable of stopping Sampras, but at the end of the day, only a bad ankle will stop him

Alex Tazza, Italy

Mark Philipoussis could be his big threat. If he plays like he did last year at Wimbledon until he had to retire hurt, I think he will be the biggest threat to Pete Sampras
Martin Castelino, USA

Sampras is favourite but he will have to be at his best. He will have strong challengers which can beat him on any day such as Philippoussis, Rafter, and of course Agassi. Apart from those names I can't see Sampras getting beaten by anyone.
Scott, New Zealand

Sampras somehow peaks for Wimbledon. He is the favourite and has the right finesse to win at Wimbledon. He can be beaten as he is only human, but it's not going to be year, not by a long shot.
Anil, India

I am getting really fed up with people saying Sampras is boring! I ask these people who are bored, have you actually seen him play Agassi or a player who really challenges him? If so, you will notice that he is a deserved champion and deserves a lot more credit than he gets from the press and fans!
Chitra, UK

I am getting really fed up with people saying Sampras is boring!

Chitra, UK

In tennis history there has never been a player quite like Sampras. There is no-one to compare him to. Some say he is a form of Ivan Lendl, but Lendl although hugely successful and talented would have been no match for Sampras. Roll on no seven!
Rob UK, UK

Pete somehow peaks for Wimbledon. He is the favourite and has the right finesse to win at Wimbledon. Yes, he can be beaten as he is human, but will he be this year? No, not by a long shot.
Anil, India

As much as it pains me to say it, I think pistol Pete will once again emerge as the men's Wimbledon champion. He is just like a robot when it comes to tennis on grass. Pete is so...well, I've got to say it, boring! I know he wins but I would rather watch paint dry if he gets to yet another Wimbledon final. So, here goes I suppose; come approximately two weeks Sunday I will be sat in my house staring at a beautifully painted Magnolia dining room!
Steve Jones, UK

I would rather watch paint dry if he gets to yet another Wimbledon final

Steve Jones, UK

Sampras is amazing - end of story. He will reign supreme, especially on grass, for at least a few more years. With Hewitt now gone together with Rusedski, there are even less true rivals for him. Anyway, let's face it, Rusedski was never a serious contender for the talent that Sampras possesses.
Jessica, England

I think Pete Sampras will definitely struggle at Wimbledon this year given his recent form. It would be good for the game if somebody else is able to stop Pete this year and go on to win Wimbledon.
Mahadevan Aravind, India

Far too much is made of the need for personality. Admire Sampras for the art and flare he brings to the game As has already been pointed out, he won't be around forever - we should think ourselves fortunate to have witnessed the prowess of the man.
Rodian, England

As tennis fans we would love to see a fresh face win the title. However, deep down we know that Mr Personality will ultimately prevail.
Gerry, UK

I think if the recent form of Pistol Pete is any indication, he won't last to the semi-finals

Eric J, Tanzania

I think if the recent form of Pistol Pete is any indication, he won't last to the semi-finals. The cluster of youth with so much promise this year will ensure that he won't go very far. There's Hewitt, Norman, Safin - all of whom could give Pete a run for his money. Let's face it, this is just not Pete's year. But he's not finished yet, not by a long shot. He'll be back but not at Wimbledon. After his performance at Queen's it's not looking good for Pete for Wimbledon.
Eric J, Tanzania

With Pete, the question is not who can stop him, but whether he will allow anyone to stop him. A player of Pete's calibre prevents the opponent from playing his game. That's what happened in last year's final. So I think his chances this year entirely depend upon his motivation and desire.
Pramod, India

The only person capable of stopping Sampras is Andre Agassi. Once Henman and Rusedski have been eliminated the crowd will be behind him and he'll have every chance of beating him.
Neil, Ireland

All he needs is to meet a brave wild card on one of his bad days, and he could tumble early on

Ruth, UK

Sampras is quite simply unbeatable. No one is going to get close to him. Agassi, Henman et al are not even half the player he is. It'll be seven titles for Sampras without a doubt.
Mark, England

No! Pete Sampras is a unique player and it will many decades before we see anyone perform as well as he does! He is definitely THE best tennis player of all time. Also, he tends to start off many of his matches by losing the first set (most recently playing Arvind Parmar) this is probably because he needs to get 'fired up.' Well done Pete!
Chris Tate, England

What Sampras lacks this year is the self belief that has kept him at the top of the Wimbledon pile for so long. All he needs is to meet a brave (British?) wild card on one of his increasingly frequent bad days, and he could tumble early on. He is only a threat if he survives to the quarters, and then his championship quality will take him all the way - again.
Ruth, UK

He may not have Agassi's charisma, Philippoussis' dashing looks, but he is an undisputed GOD when he goes out on Centre Court

Dalal Tahri, UK

I have been a great fan of Sampras ever since I saw him play Courier through tears after hearing the sad news about his coach. There's no doubt that Pete is one of the game's all time greats and I would be very happy to see him win Wimbledon again and re-write the history books.
Mike Cochrane, Scotland

Sampras still has a good chance this year but on grass anything can happen even a first round loss.
Dan, Holland

I am a great fan of Pete Sampras and I think he is one of the greatest players ever. He may not have Agassi's charisma, Philippoussis' dashing looks, but he is an undisputed GOD when he goes out on Centre Court. I think he still has a few more years to produce some of the greatest tennis ever played, and I think he knows that. Norman might be the next Sampras, but it will take some years to have someone as majestic as Pete when he plays on Centre Court.
Dalal Tahri, UK

Pete is the epitome of great tennis. He is a legend. I am sure that there is more of him to come in the future.
Suvarna Bhatt, USA

Pete is the epitome of great tennis - he is a legend - I am sure that there is more of him to come in the future

Suvarna Bhatt, USA

I have no doubt that Pete will win again. Why should he be "knocked from his perch" when he is still the worlds greatest player? Just because he is not flamboyant and is simply in a league of his own, is no reason to condemn him.
Eve, UK

Sampras will go out early this year. He just does not seem anywhere near as good as he used to be.
Luke, UK

Andre Agassi is talented, yes, but Pete Sampras is tougher mentally than any other player on grass, plus he always truly believes that he is the best. Agassi even conceded last year Sampras was in a class of his own at Wimbledon. There is no way Tim or Greg can match Pete enough to beat him at more than one set in a match, it's like our country's unrealistic expectations of the English football team. The only players who could stretch Pete to more than a straight sets win would be Lleyton Hewitt, Agassi (if he regains fitness) or Goran Ivanisevic (if he can be consistent). It really irritates me when people expect all world-class tennis players to be showmen who shout at umpires and grin at crowds! True tennis is not a circus!
Surangee Samarasinghe, UK

Pete Sampras is tougher mentally than any other player on grass, plus he always truly believes that he is the best

Surangee Samarasinghe, UK

Agassi is capable of stopping Sampras especially when focussed.
Edwin Roberts, UK

Sampras is phenomenal. He has had a slow start this year but not a bad one after all these years at the top. Sampras might struggle but will eventually be a winner.
Sudhakar, United States

Sampras is not a natural serve and volleyer like Edberg, Becker or Stich, but he has a fantastic serve, a great ground game and of course is very consistent. He is a more aggressive version of Lendl really. There are a few who can stop him though. Ivanisevic, Krajicek, Hewitt, Agassi, Prinosil. Depending on how well they return his serve and if they can go the full distance with Pete which is hard to say for Prinosil or Hewitt.
Partha Mishra, India

Whilst Sampras is ageing and his body is failing him, I think he still has the fire for one more big win on Centre Court

Romell, Italy

I think that the only person who will be able to beat Sampras at Wimbledon is Krajicek. He is the only person to have beaten Sampras at Wimbledon in the past six years and he has the game to do it again!
Alexi, England

Whilst Sampras is ageing and his body is failing him, I think (perhaps hope) that he still has the fire for one more big win on Centre Court. His biggest challengers would be the big servers. If he doesn't win I would hope that Kuerten or Agassi will.
Romell, Italy

After Lleyton Hewitt's success at the Stella Artois Championship, it proves that Sampras is beatable. Hewitt and other young pretenders will fancy their chances.
Nicholas Moore, England

Goran Ivanisevic had the power, but couldn't do it. Now, Hewitt, Rusedski or Philippoussis can try. I can't see Agassi stopping Sampras. But in the end, I would like Sampras to have his seventh title. He's in a class of his own.
Ari, UK

Sampras has many weapons: phenomenal serve, good return, athleticism, consistency and great mental strength

Sheila, UK

Sampras has many weapons: phenomenal serve, good return, athleticism, consistency and great mental strength. This puts him in a class above many good players. He is a complete package. If he plays well, no one on the tour can beat him on grass.
Sheila, UK

Tennis is changing and the old heroes are starting to fade. This year will be the hardest ever for Sampras to win.
Enadio, Brazil

The only player who has a chance against Pete Sampras is the young pretender Lleyton Hewitt - and not just because he beat Sampras at Queen's! He is superbly athletic, possesses killer accuracy and has a formidable will to win. Furthermore, he is different to any other player on the circuit (not the big serving, power player we have come to expect in men's tennis) and basically, Sampras doesn't know what to do with him. If Pete can overcome this brilliant youngster, there'll be no stopping him!
Rosie, UK

I feel sorry for him that in all his career so far he has not had a genuine rivalry of any long standing

Ian McCormack, UK

Pete has not really received the recognition and full appreciation he deserves. I was at Queen's for his final with Hewitt and it was absolutely amazing how few people were actually pulling for Sampras. That's not to say they were against him, I think it's just that we have all got so used to Sampras over the last 10 years or so that we have become complacent. I also feel sorry for him that in all his career so far he has not had a genuine rivalry of any long standing (Agassi obviously being the closest) also he has not had what I would term 'an alter ego' to play against which would highlight the incredible qualities he has as an impeccable sportsman. I really hope we all wake up and realise that we're privileged to be witnessing the Sampras era. The greatest player of all time won't be around forever, so we should start to show him the long overdue appreciation he undoubtedly deserves.
Ian McCormack, UK

Sampras is the best of the best. No player can match his skill on grass. I expect him to win this year's title quite comfortably.
Antony, India

Sampras is in a class of his own, none of the other contenders have any chance of beating him

Mike, Sweden

I am quite sure that Pete won't win the tournament this year. The fact that he lost to Hewitt at Queen's says it all. I think the reign of Pete is almost over, and I strongly doubt if he'll ever win his 13th Slam.
Ivo, Holland

Sampras is in a class of his own, none of the other contenders have any chance of beating him.
Mike, Sweden

It's high time someone knocked Sampras from his perch. My fingers are crossed for Andre Agassi, the true darling of centre court. An Agassi win would restore some much needed glamour to the tournament.
Martha, UK

It's high time someone knocked Sampras from his perch

Martha, UK

Sampras will struggle to win this year. As well as a strong British challenge he should be wary of Pat Rafter who seems to have finally overcome his injuries.
Nigel, UK

Sampras' phenomenal record has got to end some time and this could be the year. The grass court's favour the big servers so a major championship challenge could come from either Greg Rusedski or Mark Philippoussis. Also what price Kuerten netting his second major title of the year? Stranger things have happened.
Jon, England