Sampras likes Nadal’s chances

Associated Press

NEW YORK

Pete Sampras says Rafael Nadal can break Roger Federer’s record of 16 Grand Slam titles if he stays healthy and maintains a smart playing schedule.

The 24-year-old Nadal, known for his grinding style, recently won his ninth major at the U.S. Open to complete a career Grand Slam.

“If he’s smart with his schedule and the fact that he has so many at such a young age, he could very well do it,” Sampras said Thursday.

Sampras called Nadal “a beast” on the court and thinks Nadal can chase Federer’s record. Federer surpassed Sampras’ record of 14 Grand Slams in 2009.

“The only question with Rafa is physically how much his body can handle the pounding with how hard he works for every point,” he said of Nadal, who has been sidelined with knee injuries and a pulled abdominal muscle in the last few years.

Nadal also won the French Open and Wimbledon this year.