Pete Sampras’ prediction about Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in 2015 which went on to be totally correct

Follow us on Google Discover

Fans and pundits struggled to predict who would win the 2015 US Open, after several shock results one year earlier.

Tennis’ trip to Flushing Meadows in 2014 was one for the ages, as Marin Cilic beat Kei Nishikori in the final to win his first Major title.

In one of the most memorable days in US Open history, Cilic and Nishikori knocked out Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

Returning one year later, Djokovic looked to be the heavy favorite, having won both the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles in 2015.

2012 champion Andy Murray also looked to be a threat, after beating the Serb one month early at the Canadian Open in Montreal.

Others predicted big things for the likes of Rafael Nadal, Federer, and Cilic, as one American ATP legend shared his thoughts ahead of the tournament.

Pete Sampras predicted Novak Djokovic would beat Roger Federer in the final of the 2015 US Open

Former world number one Pete Sampras was asked to pick his favorite for the tournament he won five times during his career.

“I like Novak [Djokovic], obviously he’s the man to beat,” he said.

“His game is just so solid, he serves well, he moves well, he slides well on the court and he’s got will.

“This guy is just a beast out there, and I just feel like in three out of five, he’s just a really tough guy to beat.”

Sampras went on to predict who Djokovic may face in the final of the US Open.

“Let’s not forget Roger Federer, he’s won it five times, he’s won 17 Majors,” he said.

“He’s still in great shape, competitive, he moves well, he hits the ball great, and he wants it, he’s not just playing just to play, Roger is a competitor.

“Is he the favorite, not as much, but I still see Roger being in the last weekend, he’s 34, he’s going to have the crowd behind him and he’s won it five times.”

Sampras did, however, concede that the Swiss star may need some luck to fall his way if he were to pick up an 18th Grand Slam title in New York.

“For Roger to win it, things need to fall into place, he needs one of the top guys maybe to lose,” he said.

“If he has to play [Andy] Murray in the semis, Novak in the final, physically and mentally, I think that’s tough.”

Did Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer in the final of the 2015 US Open?

The top two seeds enjoyed brilliant tournaments at Flushing Meadows ten years ago, as they eased into the final, dropping just two sets between them.

Djokovic faced his biggest challenges against the Spanish pair of Feliciano Lopez and Roberto Bautista Agut, dropping a set in both matches before advancing past defending champion Cilic in straight sets.

Federer enjoyed an even easier ride to the final, winning all six matches in straight sets, looking dominant in New York.

Facing off in the final of the US Open for a second time, eight years after Federer beat Djokovic in three sets to clinch the 2007 title, fans anticipated a thrilling encounter between two of the sport’s greatest players.

The crowd favored the Swiss star, although Djokovic didn’t let that bother him as he stormed into a one-set lead, clinching the first 6-4.

Five-time champion Federer fought back in the second, to level the final at one set a piece before his Serbian opponent took control.

Winning the third and fourth sets, 6-4, Djokovic beat Federer in a Grand Slam final for the second time that year, as he lifted the title high on Arthur Ashe stadium.

Sampras was right, as the American rightly predicted that the Serb would overcome Federer in the US Open final.