Pete Sampras, who retired in 2002 after winning 14 Grand Slam titles, says that even though today’s game lacks variety and most players are baseliners who are 'staying back and throwing rocks,' he would still serve-and-volley if he was playing today.
“Why wouldn't I?” asked Sampras, who is attending the Australian Open to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his 1994 title. “Serve and volley on both serves. That's the only way I know how to play. People say it's harder to do it, the technology. But I think technology would have helped me out. If I used these racquets that Rafa is using, it's easier to serve, easier to volley. I could serve harder, longer. It would have been easier. So it all evens out. But I think serve-and-volley tennis, it would have been just fine today. I just think you need to know how to do it.”
Sampras also added that while he likes to see legends like Stefan Edberg and Boris Becker come back to coach, he has no desire to return in that capacity himself.
“It's not for me,” he said. “I've been asked by a couple guys. But the travel, to go on the road, do all that they're doing is not something that I'm interested in.”