Roger Federer
Roger Federer

Roger Federer becomes oldest number one singles player in tennis history


Roger Federer became the oldest number one singles player in tennis history by beating Robin Haase in the World Tennis Tournament quarter-finals in Rotterdam.

The 36-year-old Swiss, who won his 20th Grand Slam last month by claiming a sixth Australian Open title, replaced Rafael Nadal at the top of the ATP rankings with a 4-6 6-1 6-1 victory over Dutchman Haase.

Federer has surpassed Andre Agassi as the oldest player to occupy the summit of the men's game - the American was 33 when he was last on top in September 2003.

His return to the top spot will be formally rubber-stamped when the men's tour rankings are published on Monday morning.

Federer also beats the mark set by the record holder in the women's game, Agassi's American compatriot Serena Williams, who was 35 when she was last number one in May last year.

Sky Bet offer Federer at 14/1 to win the French Open, the next Grand Slam event, but he's the 2/1 favourite to retain his Wimbledon title.

Federer looked emotional after sealing victory, and having been presented with a trophy to mark his historic achievement, he said in an interview on court shown on Sky Sports: "I think reaching number one is one of, if not the ultimate achievement in our sport.

"When you are older, you feel like you have to put maybe sometimes double the work in, so this one maybe means the most to me throughout my career.

"Getting to number one and enjoying it right here at 36, almost 37 years old, is an absolute dream come true and I can't believe it.

"It's an opportunity to thank my great team that put in all the hard work with me, I have to work harder these days and more than ever, so without them it wouldn't be possible. And I'd like to thank my wife and my children, everybody."

Roger Federer in numbers

  • 36 - Federer is three years older than the previous record holder, Andre Agassi, who was 33 when he last topped the rankings in September 2003.
  • 303 - he will extend his record for time spent at number one with a 303rd week.
  • 20 - Federer holds the men's record for grand slam singles titles. He is four ahead of Rafael Nadal and only four behind Margaret Court's overall record.
  • 9 - Wimbledon has been his most successful slam as he is just one short of reaching double figures at SW19.
  • 96 - Federer is closing in on a century of tour-level titles. Only Jimmy Connors (109) has more.
  • 5 - it will be five years and 106 days since Federer was last at the top of the rankings, the longest ever gap between stints.
  • 2 - he has brought Switzerland two Olympic medals in his career - gold in the doubles in 2008, partnering Stan Wawrinka, and silver in the singles at London 2012.
  • £81.66million - Federer's record career earnings, which will be boosted further by his prize money in Rotterdam.
  • 14 - The Swiss first climbed to the top of the pile 14 years and 17 days ago, the longest gap between first and most recent spells.

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