Federer plans Sampras showdown in New York

MELBOURNE: Roger Federer plans to renew his rivalry with Pete Sampras in a match at Madison Sqaure Garden in New York after a successful series of exhibitions with the American legend in Asia.

The world number one on Sunday said he had become firm friends with Sampras and wanted to continue their showdowns.

"For me it was a great excitement to spend a week with Pete throughout the Asian swing," Federer said of their three matches in Seoul, Kuala Lumpur and Macau last November.

"We went to places that don't see much tennis, and I think that's something always important to me."
   
Federer said they would continue the exhibitions in New York in March.

"For me it is a dream come true to get a chance to play at the Garden," he said. "It's been a long time since men played there. And Pete really wanted to have an exhibition in the States.

"It's the last exhibition we've got planned and after that we'll see where it takes us."

During the Asian swing, Federer won in Seoul and Kuala Lumpur before Sampras shocked him with victory in Macau.