ATP and Sampras Acknowledge Roger Federer’s Records

Written by: Staff on 17th July 2012

ATP and Sampras Acknowledge Roger Federer’s Records

epa03300657 Roger Federer of Switzerland takes on Andy Murray of Britain during 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 |

Pete Sampras has happily conceded yet another one of tennis’ great records to Roger Federer after one seven-times Wimbledon champion usurped another by logging 287 weeks at the top of the ATP World Tour rankings.

Federer’s recent Wimbledon victory was sufficient to unseat Novak Djokovic from top spot after a year on top and draw level with the previous best, set by Sampras on November 19, 2000. With none of the world’s current top four in competition last week, and more importantly with none of them in danger of losing any points, Federer maintained a lead which took him clear of the American.

Now Sampras has been succinct in his praise of Federer. “Great effort,” said the player who broke Ivan Lendl’s record of 270 weeks back in 1999. “The hardest thing to do in sports is the ability to stay on top. Roger has been able to do so by great play. He is durable.”

Sampras has become used to Federer breaking his records. By winning the 2009 Wimbledon title, the Swiss Maestro broke Sampras’ all time record of 14 Grand Slams. Federer has now taken his Major tally to 17, far ahead of the reach of his current rivals. Federer also equaled the American’s mark of seven Wimbledon titles.

The 30-year-old also holds the record for staying number one ranked tennis player for most consecutive weeks. Federer rose to the top of men’s ranking for the first time on February 2, 2004 and remained their unchallenged till August 17, 2008, spanning a total of 237 weeks. The second player on this list is Jimmy Connors with 160 weeks, which shows that none of the former top players ruled the tennis worlds as consistently as Federer.

The ATP World Tour, which in its previous guise as the Association of Tennis Professionals, introduced the ranking system in 1973 also hailed Federer on his achievement. Its statement said, “Congratulations Roger on your all-time record for most weeks as No. 1.”

Brad Drewett, ATP World Tour Executive Chairman & President, expanded the praise when he said: “Roger’s amazing results over the past 12 months have been a privilege for everyone in tennis to watch.

“Regaining the no.1 position and setting a new benchmark for the greatest number weeks at the top of the South African Airways ATP Rankings is an accomplishment that will rate as highly as any of Roger’s long list of records.

“His sublime talent and dedication have kept him near or at the very top of the game for the past decade, a truly remarkable feat. We are extremely fortunate to have one of the great athletes of all time representing our sport today.”

Player Tot. Weeks

Roger Federer (SUI) 287

Pete Sampras (USA) 286

Ivan Lendl (CZE) 270

Jimmy Connors (USA) 268

John McEnroe (USA) 170

Bjorn Borg (SWE) 109

Rafael Nadal (ESP) 102

Andre Agassi (USA) 101

Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) 80

Stefan Edberg (SWE) 72

Jim Courier (USA) 58