Federer passes break point
Roger Federer has broken Jimmy Connors' record to become the longest reigning world number one ever.
Roger Federer has broken Jimmy Connors' record to become the longest reigning world number 1 ever. The record which stood for 30 years, and was set at 3 years and 1 month, will be broken when the ATP rankings are released this month.
Federer spoke of his excitement at the prospect of beating the record, yet, humble as ever, chose the ocassion to sing the praises of the man whose record he had smashed. "He's one of the all time great players" said Federer of Connors. The Suisse tennis player who has shot to fame here in the UK through his hat-trick of Wimbledon titles in successive years, also chose to emphasise the difference in success the two men have had. Connors won 109 titles during an illustrious career, Federer currently stands on 42.
Federer admitted his next challenge is to beat the record of another former Wimbledon winner, Pete Sampras, who was world number 1 for 286 weeks, albeit non-consecutively. In his present form, it seems a matter of when, and not if, Federer adds this record to his already impressive haul.
Federer spoke of his excitement at the prospect of beating the record, yet, humble as ever, chose the ocassion to sing the praises of the man whose record he had smashed. "He's one of the all time great players" said Federer of Connors. The Suisse tennis player who has shot to fame here in the UK through his hat-trick of Wimbledon titles in successive years, also chose to emphasise the difference in success the two men have had. Connors won 109 titles during an illustrious career, Federer currently stands on 42.
Federer admitted his next challenge is to beat the record of another former Wimbledon winner, Pete Sampras, who was world number 1 for 286 weeks, albeit non-consecutively. In his present form, it seems a matter of when, and not if, Federer adds this record to his already impressive haul.