Roger Federer Passes Pete Sampras To Set Record For Most Time At No. 1 In ATP Rankings

Roger Federer reacts during the men's singles final match against Andy Murray at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

LONDON — 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.

"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.

"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."

Earlier on HuffPost:

Loading Slideshow

• Federer vs. Murray

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer reacts during the men's final match against Andy Murray at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  David Beckham, left, and Victoria Beckham watch Roger Federer of Switzerland face Andy Murray of Britain during the men's final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer reacts during the men's singles final match against Andy Murray at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray reacts during the men's final match against Roger Federer at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer reacts during the men's singles final match against Andy Murray at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray reacts during the men's singles final match against Roger Federer at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray reacts during the men's final match against Roger Federer at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer celebrates winning the men's singles final against Andy Murray at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates winning the men's singles final against Andy Murray of Britain at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates winning the men's singles final against Andy Murray of Britain at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates winning the men's singles final against Andy Murray of Britain at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray of Britain reacts during the men's singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray of Britain falls during the men's singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray of Britain reacts during the men's final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland, foreground, serves to Andy Murray of Britain during the men's singles final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a shot to Andy Murray of Britain during the men's singles final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts during the men's final match against Andy Murray of Britain at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray of Britain, front, takes a fall during the men's singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a shot to Andy Murray of Britain during the men's final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts during the men's final match against Andy Murray of Britain at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a return to Andy Murray of Britain during the men's final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray of Britain plays a shot to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the men's final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates with the trophy after winning the men's singles final against Andy Murray of Britain at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray of Britain, left, reacts after his defeat to Roger Federer of Switzerland following the men's singles final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland, center right, celebrates with the trophy after winning the men's singles final against Andy Murray of Britain at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012. (AP Photo/Clive Rose, Pool)

• Federer vs. Murray

  Spectators watch Andy Murray of Britain play Roger Federer of Switzerland during the men's singles final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray of Britain, right, congratulates Roger Federer of Switzerland, as he poses with his trophy following the men's singles final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts after winning the men's singles final against Andy Murray of Britain at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland, foreground right, reacts as he wins the men's singles final match against Andy Murray of Britain at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland, left, reacts after winning the men's singles final match against Andy Murray of Britain, right, at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray of Britain, foreground, reacts after his defeat to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the men's singles final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts as he wins the men's singles final against Andy Murray of Britain at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray of Britain, right, congratulates Roger Federer of Switzerland, as he poses with his trophy following the men's singles final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates with the trophy after winning the men's singles final against Andy Murray of Britain at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray of Britain poses with the runner up trophy after his defeat to Roger Federer of Switzerland in the men's singles final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts as he wins the men's singles final against Andy Murray of Britain at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates winning the men's singles final against Andy Murray of Britain at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray of Britain reacts as he speaks to spectators after his defeat to Roger Federer of Switzerland in the men's singles final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts as he wins the men's singles final against Andy Murray of Britain at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray of Britain, left, congratulates Roger Federer of Switzerland after he won the men's singles final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland, center right, embraces Andy Murray of Britain, center left, after winning the men's singles final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates winning the men's singles final against Andy Murray of Britain at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates winning the men's singles final against Andy Murray of Britain at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  David Beckham, left, and Victoria Beckham watch Roger Federer of Switzerland face Andy Murray of Britain during the men's final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray of Britain reacts during the men's final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a shot to Andy Murray of Britain during the men's singles final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray of Britain plays a shot to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the men's final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray of Britain reacts during the men's singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray of Britain reacts during the men's singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

• Federer vs. Murray

  Andy Murray of Britain reacts during the men's singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, Sunday, July 8, 2012.

From our partners

• The 50 Worst Sports Movies - Bleacher Report
• 20 Reasons Baseball Is The Worst - Bleacher Report
• Sports Stars Of The '90s: Where Are They Now? - Bleacher Report

Comments

[CFAmick]

03:10 AM on 07/18/2012

I thought that Federer had entered the autumn of his career, and here he is, back on top. Amazing!

[whowhatwhywherewhen]

11:45 AM on 07/17/2012

NICE!

[Jose Hill]

08:51 AM on 07/17/2012

The only knock against Roger is that Nadal owns him. Other than that, I can't think of any reason not to call him the greatest male tennis player of all time.

[Faelsun]

09:44 AM on 07/17/2012

Tennis is great because everyone has a foil. Even if you are over all better. Nadal is just unbeatable on clay and his game, the way its played is a foil for Federer especially on clay. However Nadal himself is far less consistent and duds out in tourneys a lot more especially the older he gets. Nadal is far weaker to players like Djokavik and Murray who have both beaten him in grand slam tourneys than Federer is. If I take top ten players Federer will lose to all of those players fewer times than Nadal will.

[Jose Hill]

11:02 AM on 07/17/2012

I also think that if he can get to 18 majors and tie Chrissy and Martina, then he will be considered the GOAT period.

[vernonbc]

02:58 AM on 07/19/2012

You have no idea what you're talking about Faelsun. Nadal duds out in tourneys? Umm, who won the French and was in the finals of the last five slams before that? Sure wasn't Federer.

Who has a head to head record of 19-14 against Djokovic? That would be Nadal. Who has a h2h record of 13-5 against Murray? Again, that would be Nadal.

Who is tied with Bjorn Borg for the best career winning percentage in history...over all surfaces. That would be Nadal. I'll take your bet for top ten players. Nadal has lost to the other players less often than Federer has. But don't let the facts get in your way.

[Jean-Vidal]

01:44 AM on 07/17/2012

If I really knew alot of people who loves Roger, I think it is a good reason to have celebration party. This deserves the efforts.

This guy has made look so easy to achieve such title and record. I am sure he inspired alot of kids to be in this sport.

[Jean-Vidal]

01:40 AM on 07/17/2012

Guys,

do you think he is retiring soon. I mean being in the top is sometimes a trigger for such people to stop.

I won't watch sports anymore if he does.

[Faelsun]

09:46 AM on 07/17/2012

I hope he plays until his is 35ish I think he might could sneak in one,, maybe two more grands, Nadal isn't very consistent anymore besides clay courts and Djokaviks game quality fluxes.

[makebofapay]

08:47 PM on 07/16/2012

What an absolute thrill it is to watch Federer play! He's so focused and accurate, it's unbelievable. I love watching true champions compete. Looking forward to the Olympics.

[Piotr Orloff]

07:41 PM on 07/16/2012

Nothing bothered me more than watching some Swiss upstart beat the greatest of all time. I grudgingly watched RF prove himself and now I admire his consistency and his work ethic and, most of all, his talent. Still, PETE!

[Greg gr]

06:42 PM on 07/16/2012

since it's official tonight! Federer the best tennis player of all time.

[Jean-Vidal]

01:39 AM on 07/17/2012

what is not official, great sport man of all time. That's is only my ranking. I just can't help not giving him this title with all respect and love I have for this guy. I mean I wish all sportmen espcailly soccer/football players are 50% of what his manners are during games.

[PSDave]

07:41 AM on 07/17/2012

Yes, I agree with you.....he's kind to his fellow competitors....he respects them and the sport.

[mate556]

06:21 PM on 07/16/2012

A class player replaced by another. I often wonder however, in their prime who would have won. While Federer might be better overall, I think Sampras' net game would have caused him problems. Simply because he hasn't really met a guy that is great at the net. Either way it would have been an epic battle. I wish I could have seen one of their few matches that they played for charity a few years ago.

[Faelsun]

09:48 AM on 07/17/2012

Did you see Federer beat him at Wimbledon?
Net game was NOT a problem.

[mate556]

12:34 PM on 07/17/2012

That was what 2001 so that would have made Sampras 30. I did say both in their prime. Sampras, though still had a Slam win in him with US Open in 2002, but that year aside from the Open final didn't get into the quarters all year. 
I still maintain, Sampras in his prime with his net game would have given Federer problems. Perhaps only as long as it would take Federer to figure it out. 

[phxwsopchamp]

04:08 PM on 07/16/2012

I think this record pushes Roger over the top to the greatest of all-time. My own personal top 5 would be Federer, Laver, Tilden/Borg, then Sampras. Sampras could have probably etched out a #1 spot if he was decent on clay... the guy was just horrifically bad at the French. The fact that Roger has to go through the best player of all time on clay in Nadal and a young stud in Djokovic only adds to his resume.

[FreedToChoose]

03:45 PM on 07/16/2012

Well deserved by beating both Djokovic and Murray, he's #1 again no doubt in my mind.

[JimThompson44]

12:14 PM on 07/16/2012

What an accomplishment! Tiger gets all the accolades, but to me, Federer is the best.

[FreedToChoose]

03:46 PM on 07/16/2012

Tiger gets very few accolades these days excepting as perceived by those who are Tiger obsessed.

[phxwsopchamp]

04:02 PM on 07/16/2012

Very true that he gets very few accolades. The "Tiger Tracker" still on ESPN and the fact that every tournament Tiger is in the television automatically cuts to his shots regardless if he is in contention or not. Sorry, but golf is still currently Tiger or bust.

[JimThompson44]

09:25 PM on 07/16/2012

Still manages to get more coverage than Roger, though, doesn't he? 

[kevinbr38]

11:28 AM on 07/16/2012

Congratulations Roger.
Federer and Sampras are both great champions and gentlemen on the court.

[bigmacheath]

09:36 PM on 07/16/2012

As are Novak and Rafa, which makes Roger's achievement all the more remarkable.

[Jean-Vidal]

01:42 AM on 07/17/2012

I know you might disagree with me, but Rafa looks more like a badboy than a gentlemen.

I mean nothing against him, it is just the look and the moves and everything about him. Still one of the best.

[PSDave]

09:12 AM on 07/16/2012

Federer......you may argue who the best is of all time....I could list here all his exceptional skills, scariest of which is his burning desire to get better.....but for now this I know.....he's the embodiment of the greatest talents who've ever played this game.....along with his enormous competitive desires, he brings an easy to understand perspective to a fiercely competitive sport.....he seems to manage this with his innate grace reflected by his generosity to his opponents before and after his matches....Federer has brought a kind brotherhood to the game....his overall temperament should remain number one for all time.
I wish him Gold at the Olympics.....he certainly deserves it.

[jemeagirl]

12:48 PM on 07/16/2012

Great Post!!! I have always loved Federer and to me he will be the best and most accomplished player. I will always root for him as long as he is on the tour. I had great confidence in him and that he will be back at the top, no matter what the naysayers said.

Nadal & Djokovic, no matter what will never hold the candle to him.

I am glad he set the record straight on that by beating no other than Djokovic at Wimbledon, no less.
Go Roger Nation!!!

Keep the eyes on the Gold for the Olympics!!

[PSDave]

04:07 PM on 07/16/2012

That's nice....we're of the same mind.