Sampras says he could have held his own against Federer

Pete Sampras thinks he could have held his own against Roger Federer but conceded that the Swiss master is poised to smash his record of 14 grand slam titles.

Sampras, who retired after winning the 2002 US Open, considered what the result might have been had the two players met in their prime.

"I don't think one guy would have dominated the other," said the American during a teleconference to announce his return to tournament tennis, playing a limited number of events on a tour for over-30 players.

"I think our games are pretty similar. It would have been a great clash to see us in our prime.

"Roger is doing what I never did; dominate the way he is. He lost five matches in two years, that's unheard of.

"But I feel like my game is too big to be dominated by someone. When my game was on, my serve was on, I felt I was tough to beat."

Sampras could soon see how his career stacks up alongside Federer, after the Swiss took another stride towards the record with his third Australian Open crown on Sunday.

The 25-year-old Swiss has won 10 grand slams and will break Jimmy Connors's record of 160 consecutive weeks as world no.1 this month.

After his 14th grand slam title, Sampras believed his record would stand the test of time.

But almost immediately an unrelenting Federer launched his assault on the mark.

"I thought it would take longer than seven or eight years," said the 35-year-old Sampras.

"I don't see anyone pushing him so I could see him winning 17, 18, 19 majors. He has 10 already and he's in the middle of his career."