Federer would have to be the greatest of all time if he surpasses Sampras's record. Simply because he has won the most grandslams & at such a young age. I personally think that he doesnt have much of a challenge from other players, except from Nadal. Sampras or other great champions in the past had many great rivals that put up more of a challenge. Although the standard that Federer is displaying is some of the greatest of all time, generally the level of tennis has gone down over the years. But im still not taking anything away from Federer, a true great of the game, if not the greatest!

Ijaz Mohammed, Birmingham, UK

Good point, Malc. But for Rod Laver's exclusion from the official tournaments, Roger Federer would ba chasing an unattainable target. However, very good perspective from Paul, to remind us that three of the Grand Slam events used to be played on grass.

Peter Koeb, Geneva, Switzerland

Calvin,
Roger has his own Roger Federer Foundation in South Africa. It supports over 30 underprivileged children with education, sport and leisure activities. He has been involved for many years. As you know he's a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador too.

Jenny, London, U.K.

To be the best at anything in one's life and profession, requires focus, dedication, innate physical ability and luck. Just ask any consistent winners and leaders in sports, business, teaching, etc. I guess you have to wonder how can Switzerland with a population of 7.5 million can produced a world class player. Well, the country didn't produce Roger, he created himself. Of course, he has had help and guidance along the way up the ladder. No one ever succeeds totally on their own. Even Edison had help to see the light. Records are made to be broken and even if Roger breaks Sampras record, someone, somewhere, sometime will break his. His accomplishment should be an inspiration and a challenge for others to strive to break and be a champion themselves. However, the most important thing about Roger's journey, is not about money, trophies, titles but what he is a person. Hopefully he will use his success to help others such as Andrea Jagger has done for children with disability.

Calvin Chin, Haywards Heath, United Kingdom

I wouldn't give up on Murray, Neil. He's only 20 and something tells me he'll be a late bloomer. True, he's got Nadal and Djokovic to contend with, along with that Swiss guy. But even injured, he's still a clever player with a lot of variety in his game, and he seems to have more long-run potential than any of the players ranked below the top three. The media back home need to give him a break. In fact, he might be better off relocating to the U.S. or Spain, where the press wouldn't put so much pressure on him and he could refine his game in peace. His mental and technical skills are first rate. It's just a matter of time before the emotional and physical maturity follow.

Pat, Voorhees, NJ

I agree with Malc from Bermuda about Laver he was a God but he was only the God of two surfaces clay and grass, todays slams are fought on four different surfaces against some of the best players in the world.
Rods opponents weren't always the complete professional that he was and the circuit was nowhere near a arduous.
Who is the best, we will never know, so let's enjoy Federer now, he's undoubtedly the best play or his generation, I suspect he will in time be crowned the best player the world has so far seen.

paul smith, London, UK

To look to the future can temp the hand of fate. To live in the now and take it with all the love and harmony. To accept your skills and play for today. Tomorrow can bring another challenge that may not be of the tidings you have been accustomed to. Disappointment can follow when the ego wants to feed on greed and obsession. Be careful and enjoy the moment Roger for your dreams may distract you and the now will be missed forever. Father time has no rewind, ask the former champions who still pine for their youth

Arthur Brocklebank, Liverpool, England

he is the best and next to him is guess who?? Marat Safin. Marat needs more luck now than before, but in terms of style and precision he is/was as good as the great Federer

ismail, brisbane, australia

To look for the future, and not saviour the moment. To seek and find when one has just achieved their goal. To plan ahead when the present celebration has not started or shared. Then we may be disappointed when the future arrives. Be grateful for the now and let the ego relent. Mother nature may hit back with vengeance when we want more in the world of sport.

Arthur Brocklebank, Liverpool, England

Yes, but Laver was banned for 6 years at the top of his career. When you consider that he won the Grand Slam in its real meaning, i.e. holding all four titles in the same year, in both the year preceding his ban and immediately on his return, you would expect him to have won, say, 20 additional events.

Having said that, I think I'm finally changing my view, and that Federer might actually be better than Laver, and thus the best player ever.

Malc, Bermuda,

i think he did a good job! =)

Celina Philip, l-town,flevoland, usa

What a quality performer. Puts the alledged top stars in other sports to shame. There really is only one true sporting genius at the moment in the world and that is Rodger Federer. In a sport where everybody starts on an equal footing, he just excels both on and off the court

Neil O'Sullivan, Nash Mills, Emgland