Tim Henman hailed new French Open champion Roger Federer as the best player in history.
French Open win tips debate, says British legend
Tim Henman hailed new French Open champion Roger Federer as the best player in history.
Federer's maiden victory at Roland Garros completed a career Grand Slam and moved him level with Pete Sampras on 14 major titles.
At just 27-years-old, he still has plenty of time to make that record his own and Henman - who beat a young Federer at Wimbledon in 2001 - is already convinced of the Swiss player's pre-eminent place among the tennis greats.
"It's the greatest achievement in tennis," Henman told
skysports.com.
"He's now equalled Sampras' total of 14 majors - there was always a 'but' with Sampras because he never won the French Open.
"And now Federer's achieved that, I think that he goes down as the best player I played against - and the best player I've ever seen."
Asked how a mythical contest between Federer and Sampras would play out if both men were in their prime on centre court at Wimbledon, Henman remained undecided.
"It is difficult to compare eras," conceded the four-time semi-finalist at the All England club.
"If they were playing in Sampras' era when the courts were fast and the balls quick, then Sampras was a match for anyone because his serve and attacking game was so good.
"But if they played in the conditions of today's era, then I would certainly take Federer (to win)."
HSBC uses its sponsorships to help young people, education and community. Tim Henman is an ambassador for the HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14 & Under Challenge. By investing in grass roots tennis, HSBC is supporting a new generation of talent. For more information please visit www.wimbledon.org/roadtowimbledon
