NEW YORK, NY March 11, 2008 —The world's top-ranked tennis player, Roger Federer, shook off any lingering fatigue from a recent bout of mono to defeat his idol and Hall of Famer, Pete Sampras, in an exhibition match last night.

At one point, Sampras led, 5 games to 2, in the 3rd and final set, but Federer came roaring back to win by 2 points in a tiebreak.

FEDERER: We tried to make it a good match and it turned out a fantastic thriller.

REPORTER: It was the first time Madison Square Garden hosted men's professional tennis since 1996.

Federer fan Joel Wyner wishes more matches were played there.

WYNER: It's better than Arthur Ashe Stadium at the U.S. Open, cause you're up in the top. It's a great place to see the match.

REPORTER: Both Sampras and Federer say they'd like to play more exhibition matches. But, the retired Sampras says it's up to Federer to squeeze it into his schedule.