Roger Federer's List of Records: From Being Oldest World No. 1 to Owning Most Number of Grand Slam Titles
“Getting to No. 1 and enjoying it right here at 36, almost 37 years old is an absolute dream come true,” Federer said. “I can’t believe it.”
Switzerland tennis player Roger Federer displaced Rafael Nadal as the new World No. 1 in ATP rankings on February 16. With his return to the top of rankings, Federer added another feather to his illustrious cap – becoming the oldest world number one at 36 years 195 days. Federer who had been numero uno in ATP rankings for a total of 302 weeks in between 2004-08 defeated Dutch opponent Robin Hasse 4-6 6-1 6-1 in Rotterdam Open 2018 quarterfinals to take the coveted spot again. Federer’s resurgence since Australian Open 2017 victory followed by successfully defending it in 2018 along with the eighth Wimbledon title in between has changed the dynamics of Open Era tennis. There are a list of records including the most number of grand slam titles make the Mighty Federer GOAT (Greatest of all time). Here’s a look at few of them.
1. At 36 years 195 days, Roger Federer is the oldest World No. 1 in tennis. This record was earlier held by American player Andre Agassi who at the age of 33 years held the top place in ATP standings in 2003. Agassi tweeted a congratulatory message to Federer on reaching yet another landmark. The eight-time grand slam title winner writes, “36 years 195 days...@RogerFederer continues to raise the bar in our sport. Congratulations on yet another remarkable achievement!!”
2. Roger Federer added three grand slams since his Australian Open 2017 victory. He owns the highest number of grand slam titles – 20 including a record eight Wimbledon titles, a record six Australian Open titles, a record five consecutive US Open titles and one-off French Open title. He is the first man to have 20 titles with three female players Margaret Court (24), Serena Williams (23) and Steffi Graf (22) ahead of him. In the men’s majors race, Federer is trailed by Rafael Nadal of Spain with 16 in the second place and now-retired American legend Pete Sampras with 14 titles.
3. Roger Federer is the only male player to win Wimbledon and US Open double four years in a row – 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. Federer has reached record 30 men’s singles Grand Slam finals. He has won 94 matches at the Australian Open, 91 at Wimbledon, 82 at the US Open and 65 during French Open.
4. By defeating Robin Soderling of Sweden in finals of Roland Garros in 2009, Federer claimed his first and only French Open title. The trophy also added the Swiss Master in the prestigious list of eight players who have won a career grand slam.
“Getting to No. 1 and enjoying it right here at 36, almost 37 years old is an absolute dream come true,” Federer said. “I can’t believe it.” Federer will next face Andreas Seppi of Italy in the semi-final match of ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam. The master continued by saying, “Reaching No. 1 is one of, if not the ultimate achievement in our sport.” Federer is vying for his 97th career singles title.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 17, 2018 02:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).