Roger Federer is once again the top ranked ATP player, securing the No. 1 ranking with a win over Robin Haase at the Rotterdam Open on Friday. While we have no hard evidence that Federer is somehow aging slower than everyone else (with the exception of a back or knee injury here or there to convince us otherwise) it certainly seems like that’s what is happening.
Roger Federer, who might be immortal, becomes oldest man to hold No. 1 ranking
Is he actually aging?
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
There are a number of remarkable statistics tied to Federer’s re-ascension to the top of the rankings. It’s his first time holding that spot in more than five years, or 2050 total days since the last time he could call himself the No. 1 player in the world.
He also overtakes Andre Agassi as the oldest ATP No. 1 player ever at 36 years and 195 days old. Agassi tweeted out his congrats about the feat, as did women’s tennis legend Billie Jean King.
Federer’s feat comes a year after Serena Williams accomplished the same thing with the No. 1 WTA ranking, underlining just how incredible the veteran players on tour really are right now. Besides this piece of the record books he also holds the record for most Slam wins and finals on the men’s side, plus the most career prize money.
It’s been 14 years since he first held the No. 1 ranking. Curious who was behind him all that time ago, fighting to take number one from someone we now know as one of the greatest athletes of all time? Well, Agassi of course.
1. R. Federer
2. J.C. Ferrero
3. A. Roddick
4. G. Coria
5. A. Agassi
6. R. Schuettler
7. C. Moya
8. D. Nalbandian
9. M. Philippoussis
10. P. Srichaphan
It’s been so long since Federer first had the No. 1 ranking that Carlos Moya, seventh on that list,
Federer is taking a breather after this tournament, and after getting to celebrate making history, with his next time on the court coming at Indian Wells in the beginning of March. Not playing week in and week out at his age is smart and mimics what many other older players, like Serena, are doing at this stage of the game.
Save those knees Roger! You have a No. 1 ranking to protect.
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