Federer passes Sampras for record time at No. 1
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Roger Federer surpassed Pete Sampras on Monday to set the record for the most weeks at No. 1 in the ATP rankings.
After winning Wimbledon a week ago, Federer returned to the top for the first time since June 2010. Monday marked his 287th week at No. 1, one more than Sampras.
The 17-time Grand Slam champion also tied Sampras' record of seven Wimbledon titles. Federer first became No. 1 in 2004 and said it was an "amazing feeling" to be back at the top.
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"I had set a goal with my team to try and get back to the top of the rankings, but I never thought with the depth in the game this year that I would have been able to get it back so quickly," Federer said. "I am extremely proud and honored to have beaten Pete's record as he was my childhood hero and I have always looked up to him."
The Swiss star will enter the Olympics next week as the world's top-ranked player following his four-set win over Briton Andy Murray in the final at Wimbledon, which also will host the Olympic tennis competition.
Federer spent 237 consecutive weeks at No. 1 between February 2004 and August 2008 and overtook Novak Djokovic atop the rankings with his win at Wimbledon — his 75th career ATP title.
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"Great effort," said Sampras. "The hardest thing to do in sports is the ability to stay on top. Roger has been able to do so by great play and durability."