Looks like Malaysia is going all out to celebrate her 50th anniversary of independence. Of course some would insist it’s the 44th, but that’s another story. After Manchester United, now this.

Pete Sampras vs Roger Federer. The sight of that would make any sports lover, and of course even more so tennis afficionados salivate. Even when the cheapest ticket costs RM83. The most expensive: RM443. The match is supposed to take place at Stadium Melawati, Shah Alam on 22nd November.

You can feel the incredible weight of the hype just by reading

“One of the greatest duels in the history of tennis will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as part of the celebrations of Independence (Merdeka) and the 50th Anniversary of the Nation. Billed as the Clash of Times, current World No. 1 Roger Federer will take on his predecessor Pete Sampras in what promises to be an electrifying match-up. Two of the greatest tennis players ever will battle for pride and dominance over the past two decades in the sport’s history.”

What a genius idea:
- Everybody gets to watch a tennis match between the top player now and someone who used to be the top player
- The players get paid well and Federer gets some welcome pocket money: perhaps that explains the crazy ticket price. Federer might not get the 7 figures one normally gets from winning Wimbledon or any of the Slams, but hey, we get to introduce Malaysia to probably the greatest athlete who ever walked the earth. I read that even the great Tiger Woods is in awe of him.

But still, even if I could, I would not go see the match. Why? Because it won’t prove anything. What if Pistol Pete won? That he’s truly the greatest (say it like Muhammad Ali did) and that he should make a comeback like the Smiling Assassin Swiss Miss did before the cocaine thing retired her for good?

What if Federer won? That he’s the greatest ever because he just defeated the man who owns the most Slams, never mind that Pete has quit the highest level for some time already?

I doubt it that Federer would go all out just to win this match. He’s a professional, he’s got years to go, he won’t risk it. If it’s all about pride, any excuses could be given: not his day, carrying old injury, don’t want to aggravate injury sustained in last operation, weather too hot, food poisoning etc etc.

Basically I think it’s going to be like the Brazil vs Malaysia match before World Cup 2002. Brazil won 4-0 playing at half speed. Federer would do the same. There is no way The Pistol could match him anyway. This is a friendly match. It’s played for money. There could be a lot of on-court banter and joking. This is not a Grand Slam. The intensity is just not there. I don’t buy that. Pro wrestling is different.

Of course you can treat it as a pop concert. Just enjoy the spectacle. But music and sports performances are different.