Federer Sets New Record for 287 Weeks as World Number One
July 17, 2012 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Kenneth B. Goldberg
Roger Federer began his 287th week as world number one on Monday. He first topped the rankings on Feb. 2, 2004. Federer has been absent from the top spot for two years, losing the top spot on May 31, 2010. He finally regained his ranking when he beat Andy Murray of Britain to win his record seventh Wimbledon title last week. The Swiss equaled Pete Sampras’s record seven titles at the All England Club and has now past his record of 286 weeks at the top of the world rankings. He is assured to keep the top ranking through to the Olympic Games in London.
"It is really an amazing feeling for me to have regained the number one ranking on the ATP World Tour. I had set a goal with my team to try and get back to the top of the rankings, but I never thought with the depth in the game this year that I would have been able to get it back so quickly," said Federer. "I am extremely proud and honored to have beaten Pete’s record as he was my childhood hero and I have always looked up to him."
Sampras won 14 Grand Slam titles within 14 years, while Federer has already won 17.
"Great effort," said Sampras. "The hardest thing to do in sports is the ability to stay on top. Roger has been able to do so by great play and durability."
