WATCH: When Roger Federer Became the Oldest World No.1 in Tennis History

Roger Federer and records go hand in hand. The Swiss maestro has, for the longest time, held some of the most unique records of tennis. One such feather in his cap is being the oldest ATP World No. 1.

On 19th February 2018, Roger Federer wrote history as he became the oldest tennis player to be the World No. 1. He was 36 years and 320 days when he achieved this feat. He achieved this feat by winning the 2018 ATP 500 ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament, also known as the Rotterdam Open. 

Before entering the tournament, Roger Federer was just a few points behind the then World No. 1 Rafael Nadal. 

How Roger Federer wrote history at the Rotterdam Open

Top-seeded Roger Federer cruised to the finals of the Rotterdam Open, dropping just one set. The 2-time champion faced the 2nd seeded Grigor Dimitrov in the finals. Even though it was the final of the event, it turned out to be a cakewalk for Federer. He won the match 6-2,6-2. The win was his 97th career title.

After the final, the champion was honored with a trophy that read ‘Oldest No. 1 in ATP history.’ The stadium turned up in full cheer for the Swiss. 

Federer thanked the crowd for their support. He further expressed what being the World No. 1 feels like. He said, “I think reaching No. 1 is one of, if not, the ultimate achievement in our sport.”

He further added, “Sometimes the beginning, just all of a sudden you get there just because you are playing so well. Later, someone’s tried to fight it back and you wrestle it back from somebody else who deserves to be there. When you are older, you feel like you have to put in sometimes double the work in. So this one maybe means the most to me throughout my career.”

The then 36-year-old ended by saying, “This is an absolute dream come true. I can’t believe it.”

Federer World No. 1 history

Roger Federer first became the World No. 1 on 2nd February 2004. He holds the record for most consecutive weeks at the pinnacle of men’s tennis, 237, as well as the record for the oldest World No. 1 he achieved in Rotterdam.

Having been out from the tour since 2021 Wimbledon, Roger Federer is currently ranked World No. 30.

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