02/21/2018
Roger Federer beats Robin Haase to become oldest world number one
Roger Federer says becoming the oldest world number one in tennis history – 14 years after he first topped the rankings – is a “dream come true”.
The 36-year-old Roger Federer beat Robin Haase 4-6 6-1 6-1 in the quarterfinals of the Rotterdam Open to replace Rafael Nadal, 31, at the top of the ATP World Rankings. Federer surpassed Serena Williams, who was 35 when she lost her women’s number one ranking in May 2017. “This one means the most at 36 years of age, almost 37,” the Swiss said. “When you’re older you have to work double the amount. You have to wrestle it back from someone who’s worked hard to get there. “Reaching number one is the ultimate achievement in tennis. It’s been an amazing journey and to clinch it here, where I got my first wildcard in 1998, means so much.”
Eight-time Grand Slam winner Andre Agassi previously held the men’s ranking record – he was 33 when he lost the number one spot in September 2003.
Federer also tweeted: “It’s been a long road, and sometimes windy, but feels surreal to be back at the top. I’m just happy to be healthy and playing tennis every day.”
