JOIN USRoger is the greatest: Pete
Sampras, returning to the club where he won seven titles in a decorated career, arrived unannounced from the US. hours before the final showdown.
Federer's exhausting five-set victory gave his 15th Grand Slam title, against 14 for Sampras, and the American said the Swiss had settled the debate about the game's greatest.
"The critics say (Rod) Laver (is the best), and (Rafa) Nadal beat him a few times in majors, but he's won all the majors, he's going to win a few more here, so in my book he is the best.
"Roger's a friend, he's a great player, he's a good guy. He's got 15 now, he can get 17 or 18 majors. If he just keeps it going and stays healthy, he could go to 18, 19, actually.
"The guy's a legend and now he's an icon. He's got 15 majors, that's a lot of majors, that's a lot of work. He's a credit to the game."
Sampras entered the Royal Box with Roddick leading 2-1 in the opening set, waved to acknowledge the crowd's applause and took his place in the front row.
"He's a great guy, he's humble, which I like," Sampras said. "He's sort of effortless, he doesn't seem like he's working that hard out there. He plays at that level so easily, he serves big, he's got a great forehand, his backhand's solid, he's got everything and he's got the belief,” the American added.