Tennis legend Pete Sampras of America believes that Rafael Nadal who is recovering from a knee injury will eventually overtake his own tally of 14 Grand Slam titles by the end of the Spaniard’s career.

Former world number one, Sampras, in a recent interview expressed he has full confidence with Nadal and that the ‘King of Clay’ will come back strongly again.

The retired American great said “At 26 with 11 majors, if he stays healthy and plays for another four or five years, I think he is very well going to pass my total of 14 majors.”

Nadal hasn’t played for six months now since his shock second round loss to then world number 100 Lucas Rosol of Czech Republic in Wimbledon. The 26-year old who has been out of any action since then has recently announced that he will be fit for the Australian Open in January.   

Sampras, who retired in 2002 after a career that included 14 major titles, a record at the time, thinks it will be tough process for Rafa but is positive about the future endeavour of the Mallorcan born player.

“He is someone that needs to practice a lot and needs to play a lot, not only for the sake of his game but mentally as well. It will take some time, not only tennis-wise, but having the confidence in his legs again. It will take him time to get back into the groove. But I believe he will be right there.”

Nadal is a top contender for a record number of major titles, currently held by Roger Federer with 17 Grand Slams; however that has been under question since his six month hiatus.   

The world number four won his maiden major when he was just 19 and went for onslaught against all players over the course of years till he was defeated in three straight finals from Wimbledon 2011 to Australian Open 2012 by current world number one Novak Djokovic.