Roger Federer Sets Another Record As He Returns to Top ATP Ranking

Written by: Staff on 16th July 2012

Roger Federer Sets Another Record As He Returns to Top ATP Ranking

epa03300968 Roger Federer of Switzerland holds his trophy following the men's final match for the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 08 July 2012. EPA/JONATHAN BRADY |

Roger Federer has made more tennis history as he begins a record 287th week as world No. 1 after returning to the top of the ATP table thanks to his seventh Wimbledon title claimed a week ago.

The 30-year-old Swiss, currently on holiday in Sardinia, broke through the 286 total career weeks mark of Pete Sampras. Federer’s return to the top spot came after a two years gap when he dropped to as low as third on the ranking list.

With his thoughts soon to shift to gold medal prospects at the London Games from July 28, the record 17-time Grand Slam winner is optimistic on continuing at an extremely high level in his standout career.

Along with No. 2 Novak Djokovic and third-ranked Rafael Nadal, he has already qualified to the end-of-year ATP invitational event in London from November 5, as the first three men into the field.

“I never stopped believing…it all worked out,” said Federer as his record week approached. “I got great momentum, great confidence and it all came together.

“It’s a magical moment for me. I was so close to the record two years ago and it is really amazing to be No. 1 again. I played and won a lot of tournaments since the US Open last year, I’m happy that all the hard work I have been putting in has paid off.”

Federer, who turns 31 on August 8, is the second-oldest man to hold No. 1, behind Andre Agassi, who was 33 years and 131 days old. Federer last held the top spot on 31 May, 2010.

His time at the top of the table is guaranteed to last through at least the start of the London Games as Djokovic and Nadal chase him. Federer owns a leading total of five ATP titles this season and stands 46-6 this season after his Wimbledon triumph over Andy Murray.

Federer said after losing last year’s US Open semi-final to Djokovic after holding two match points, his game began to turn for the better.

“I had played a lot of tennis, good tennis, but I wanted to win titles, not just lose in quarters and semis. I think when I came back to Basel (November) , which was a home tournament, things obviously changed for me to winning ways again, I would believe.

“Then the confidence rose as I went to Paris and also to London. I think this is when I realized a lot is possible in 2012.”

Topics: Andy Murray, London Games, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis News