I didn’t really think I could get back to No 1 again: Federer
The Swiss, back at the top after 6 years, smashed Agassi’s record by more than three years
ROTTERDAM: Roger Federer became the oldest world No 1 on Friday when the 20-time Grand Slam winner reached the semi-finals of the Rotterdam Open. The Swiss overcame an early setback to beat Robin Haase of the Netherlands 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 and will replace Rafael Nadal at the top of the rankings.
“What an amazing run it’s been, to be number one again means a lot to me,” Federer said.
“This is incredibly special, I’m so happy. I didn’t really think I could get back to No 1, this is a significant moment in my career.”
Federer surpasses Andre Agassi, who held the top spot aged 33 years and 131 days in 2003, as the oldest man to claim the world No 1 spot. It is Federer’s first time back at the summit since Oct 2012 having first claimed the top position in Feb 2004.
“Reaching No 1 is the ultimate achievement in tennis. When you’re older you have to work double the amount, you have to wrestle it back from someone who’s also worked hard to get there. It’s a dream come true,” added Federer. “It’s been an amazing journey and to clinch it here, where I got my first wildcard in 1998, means so much.”
Agassi was amongst the first to congratulate Federer. “36 years 195 days... @rogerfederer continues to raise the bar in our sport. Congratulations on yet another remarkable achievement!!,” tweeted the American.
Federer had talked on Thursday of his desire to retake the number one spot but doubted it would ever happen after he underwent knee surgery last year. “I’ve struggled to try and get there. I had to win a lot of matches last year,” said Federer,
The ageless wonder dropped his first set of the week against Haase, who later said he had been sick all week. Federer was on his heels in the opening set as Haase prevailed, but the Swiss regained control to ease to the victory as he controlled the Dutchman in the remainder of the match. “To rank this high, I don’t know how I did it. This is really big for me, especially because of the gap (between his last time at the top).”