The pair traded point for point in both sets in Malaysia's Malawati Stadium, where Sampras had the crowd gasping at his ability to prevent Federer from steamrolling over him.

"I was impressed with Pete tonight," Federer told reporters. "He played some unbelievable shots, but then again he is capable of doing that. He had an incredible serve which was so difficult to read tonight."

Federer -- who has won 12 Grand Slam titles -- said he knew that Sampras would improve after their first match in Seoul "and tonight he didn't prove me wrong."

Sampras acknowledged Federer's superiority in the match.

"I am happy with my performance tonight. I hung in there right until the end," he said.