Federer Breaks Record for Consecutive Weeks at No. 1

Dubai, UAE, February 26th, 2007: Roger Federer returns to the ATP circuit on Monday at the Dubai Tennis Championships after capturing his 10th career Grand Slam title at the Australian Open last month.

Upon his return, Federer finds himself as the new record holder for most consecutive weeks (161) at No. 1 in the history of the ATP Rankings (since August 1973), breaking the almost 30-year record of Jimmy Connors, who held the top spot for 160 straight weeks from July 29, 1974 to August 22, 1977.

“This is definitely something that will stay for quite sometime. I’ll definitely keep it [the record] for three years,” Federer said. “It’s very hard to beat. It’s not something you do overnight. It’s a long, hardworking process.

“I never came close to losing it [the No. 1 ranking], except maybe when I played Roddick in the 2004 Wimbledon final. If he had won there, he would have had the momentum, and he would have gotten close in the Rankings. But I didn’t lose. I’ve always had a great run. It’s quite an amazing streak I’m on right now.”

Federer, who also takes a career-best 36-match winning streak into Dubai, has been the ATP No. 1 ranked player every week since February 2, 2004 after capturing his second career Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. During his No. 1 reign, the 25-year-old Swiss superstar has accumulated a 247-15 match record (.943) with 34 titles in 49 tournaments. Prior to becoming No. 1, Federer had a career mark of 243-110 with 12 titles between 1998-January 2004.

“I remember when my game was still up in the air,” he said. “On any given day, I could play very well. But on my off days, I would be very vulnerable. My baseline game was okay, but not as consistent as I was hoping for. That’s what I’ve been able to improve. Fitness-wise as well, I had problems. I was always hoping not to go five sets, whereas now I don’t mind it. So I’ve really come a long way.”

Federer also paid tribute to Connors: “Jimmy was one of the all-time great players. He played for such a long time. To stay fit through all that time with such intensity is quite remarkable. We know players today who are intense – Hewitt and Nadal. Can you imagine them playing until 40 years old? It’s almost impossible. But Jimmy did that.”

The only player Federer has lost to more than once while No. 1 is rival Rafael Nadal, who has won six of their nine meetings.

ATP World Number One Roger Federer was presented with a Waterford Crystal Trophy from Brad Drewett, ATP CEO, International Group, to congratulate him on his 161st consecutive week as the number one player in the ATP rankings, breaking Jimmy Connors record.

To mark the achievement, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, owners and organizers of the Dubai Tennis Championships, presented Federer with a Khanjar, a traditional Arabic dagger.

Tournament Director Salah Tahlak also presented Federer with lifetime membership to the Aviation Club, the location of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

For further information: John Rynehart, Promoseven Sports Marketing,
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