Federer remains tormented by self-doubt after U.S. Open loss

Roger Federer's loss prevented him from meeting Rafael Nadal for the first time at the U.S. Open.

Darron Cummings/AP

Sampras had it right: The great ones do not surrender. They forge on, often with that commanding presence that once left the world in awe. Crowds flock to the occasion, more appreciative than ever. But it won't be quite the same. It can't be. Time is the ultimate opponent, always in character, never vanquished.