Macao, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Previous and present World No. 1 Pete Sampras and Roger Federer arrived in Macao later Friday preparing for the final "clash of champions" of their Asian tour Saturday.

The first two matches in the series of three were won by Federer 6-4, 6-3 in Seoul and 7-6, 7-6 in Kuala Lumpur.

Sampras said at a press conference, "it was a challenge for me to play against Roger but in the second match I got a lot closer. I had a few chances but Roger kept coming up with second serve aces, which is what I used to do! I am really looking forward to the match tomorrow."

Asked about his future plans, the U.S. tennis legend said, "I will fly back home and enjoy my family life."

Federer was equally full of praise for Sampras. He said, "Pete was maybe the greatest player ever and it is an honour for me to play against him. This exhibition series is great for the game and helps to promote tennis in Asia."

He said he was really honored to be always compared to "the Best".

36-year-old Sampras, who retired five years ago, had won a record 14 Grand Slams. 26-year-old Federer, who owns 12 titles, is expected to break the mark in 2008.

Talking about the coming year, Federer believed that it could be "very exciting".

The two met only once before the ATP tour, in the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2001 when Federer defeated Sampras in five sets.

The Asian tour gained worldwide attention and 12,000 seats for the Venetian Macao Tennis exhibition match sold out in a few days.