Sampras can walk away "the greatest ever": Kafelnikov

Russian Yevgeny Kafelnikov says if Pete Sampras decides to retire he will have nothing but respect for a player he regards as the "greatest ever".

Kafelnikov, who has hinted at possible retirement himself if Russia beat France in the Davis Cup final, said: "I really envy him in the good sense of the word.

"If he has a chance to walk away from tennis at the height of his career after winning the U.S. national championship in his own country -- one of the most important tournaments there is, then yes, I can only take my hat off to him and say 'you are the greatest ever to play the game and deserve all the praise for what you have done'."

Sampras, winner of a record 14 grand slam titles, has not played since beating Andre Agassi in the final at Flushing Meadow last month, and will miss the rest of the season -- a decision that has fuelled rumours of his imminent retirement.

"But if he wants to announce his retirement now only to come back in the next few months, then I really don't know what to think of his decision," added the outspoken Russian.

Kafelnikov, 28, speaking after defeating Germany's Nicolas Kiefer in Moscow on Thursday, said he now wants to "complete" his tennis career by helping his country to a first-ever Davis Cup title later this year.

LIFE-LONG DREAM

"It would really be something, it would make me the happiest person on this planet if only I could achieve my life-long dream," he said. "It would make my tennis career a complete one."

Russia face holders France in the final in Paris from November 29 to December 1.

Kafelnikov made history by becoming the first Russian to win a grand slam title after capturing the French Open in 1996. He also won the 1999 Australian Open and added the Sydney Olympic gold medal the following year.

The former world number one also said that former Russian President Boris Yeltsin, who was watching his match against Kiefer, will accompany the team to the Davis Cup final.

"We just talked about it 10 minutes ago and he made a promise to me to be there for the final," Kafelnikov said.