Federer passes Sampras’ No. 1 record

Wednesday, 18 July 2012 01:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Roger Federer has surpassed Pete Sampras 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 and his 287th week at No. 1, one more than Sampras.

The 17-time grand slam champion says he’s “extremely proud and honoured 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.

Sampras says “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.”