Grass: Sampras – Federer: 60% – 40%
When Pete Sampras played his best tennis on grass like in the Wimbledon final 1999 against Andre Agassi, he was virtually unbreakable.
His second serves were over 180 km / h and his volleys were impeccable.
Even Agassi who in my opinion is better returner than Federer wasn’t able to come even close to breaking that serve except once when Sampras came back from 0:40 with 5 first serves.
Indoors Fast Carpet: Sampras – Federer: 50% – 50%
Again, Sampras’ serve would keep him out of trouble and he would be able to take huge risks on Federer’s serve and eventually make a break or two.
Roger in the other hand is capable of playing every shot in the book and would be able to adapt his tactics to exploit any weakness in Pete’s game.
Hard court: Sampras – Federer: 40% – 60%
Here I see Roger Federer being able to get a few more solid returns on Pete’s serve and have more chances to break.
He would have the upper hand from the baseline if he could avoid Pete’s forehand for the most of the time.
Remember that we are talking about Pete Sampras at his best and at those times he could hit a winner off his forehand from almost any part of the court.
Clay: Sampras – Federer: 10% – 90%