Pete Sampras won Sunday an exhibition match between former world No. 1s, edging Andre Agassi in three sets at the Venetian Macao arena, the same venue he beat Roger Federer two years ago.

The American tennis legend took it 3-6, 6-3, 10-8 in his first meet with compatriot Agassi since Sampras won in the 2002 U.S. Open final for his then-record 14th Grand Slam.

"Andre just hits the ball so cleanly, even after being retired for three years. The pace of his shots was very heavy," Sampras said.

Agassi returned the compliment, saying, "Pete's hands are the same as they've always been. He has great feel for the ball. He surprised me with the number of pickups he made out there."

The great duo have 124 career titles and 22 Grand Slams between them.

Sampras's 14 Slams was a record until Federer won Wimbledon this year, while Agassi, with his eight Slams, is one of only six men to have won all four majors and also won Olympic gold in Atlanta 1996.