Today marks Roger Federer’s record setting 300th week as world #1. The Swiss maestro has spent more time at #1 in mens’ tennis than anyone else. Earlier this year, after winning his 7th Wimbledon title in July, he reclaimed the top spot and broke Pete Sampras’ previous record of 286 weeks. He first rose to #1 in February 2004, holding it for a record 237 consecutive weeks. In eight years, Federer has won 17 grand slams, 21 masters 1000 titles, 76 career titles, breaking and setting several records throughout his illustrious career.
Previous holders of world #1, Pete Sampras (286 weeks) and Ivan Lendl (270 weeks) were among the first to offer their tributes to the Swiss.
Sampras: “It’s an incredible achievement and accomplishment to be ranked No. 1 in the world for 300 weeks. It is a testament to his consistency at the top of the game for so many years.”
Lendl: “Being No. 1 is a special achievement and also an honour. Congratulations to Roger for being there for 300 weeks.”
Being #1 is a great part of the Swiss maestro and his game. “I always felt tennis [it] was easier for me playing as World No. 1 than actually getting there.” The statistics support it too.
In his tenure, which first began on 2 February 2004, Federer has won 417 of his 469 matches (.889) and lifted 46 of his 76 career titles (.605). Without the World No. 1 ranking, Federer has gone 454-143 (.760) and captured 30 trophies. Incredibly, he has lost no more than 10 matches as World No. 1 in any single season except 2008, when his record streak of 237 consecutive weeks at World No. 1 came to an end on 18 August, at the hands of his great rival Rafael Nadal.
“It’s a great reward for me,” said Federer at the Shanghai Rolex Masters. “I feel a great sense of satisfaction because of that incredible number and because of all the effort I’ve put into it. I know how much work it has been. It’s not easy to stay at the top for so long and handle all the obligations that go with just playing tennis.”
RF300 Tribute from MrSeba1670 on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkC81sOW6cE
Wilson’s tribute to Roger Federer.
FedererFan07.com is in collaboration with Nike Tennis to celebrate Roger Federer’s achievement of 300 weeks at world #1 and supports Roger 100%.
Source: ATP World Tour
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