World number one Roger Federer beat seven-time Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras 6-4 6-3 in an exhibition match in Seoul.

The pair meet again Thursday in Kuala Lumpur before heading to Macau two days later for two further matches.

Sampras, 36, broke serve first and led 4-2 before Federer found his rhythm to win 10 of the last 13 games.

"I feel pretty good, I made it competitive, which was my goal," said Sampras, who retired in 2002, a year after the only previous meeting between the pair at Wimbledon 2001.

"Obviously Roger is the best player in the world and I retired five years ago. I am grateful that he invited me.

"I have no plans to come back from retirement. You have to come back for a reason. I just stay home and watch Roger win on television."

Federer said: "Pete was one of my idols growing up and it's great to play him.

"It wasn't easy for me, it wasn't easy for him as he's been retired five years. I am number one and everyone expects me to win."

Eurosport