What else can Federer achieve?
What else can Federer achieve?
On Monday, February 19, Roger Federer will become the oldest top-ranked player in tennis at the age of 36. Here is a look at some other records he could still attain.
On Monday, February 19, Roger Federer will become the oldest top-ranked player in tennis at the age of 36. Here is a look at some other records he could still attain.
Ten titles at his 'favourite tournament'
Federer has won at the All England Club eight times in 11 appearances in the final. Not just numerically, but in terms of his game as well, the grass of London is his best chance, by far, to win the same Grand Slam tournament 10 times.
However, that is still some distance away and will be an extremely difficult task for Federer. But given the form Federer is in and how comfortable he is at the All England Club, who would bet against it?
Wimbledon was always my favourite tournament, will always be my favourite tournament. It's a dream to play here, really, and I hope this wasn't my last match. I hope I can come back next year and try to defend the title."
Federer
After winning his eighth Wimbledon title in 2017
Oldest man to win a major
Federer and Ken Rosewall (third from right) in 2011.
By winning the Australian Open for the sixth time this January, Federer became the second-oldest man in the Open Era to win a major, at 36 years, 173 days. Ahead of him is Aussie legend Ken Rosewall, who won the 1972 Australian Open at the age of 37 years, 62 days.
With his 37th birthday on August 8, Federer will get a chance to take Rosewall's place on that list at next year's Aussie Open. A lot can change in a year, but it's hard to argue against Federer's chances of claiming that record.
I just got to keep a good schedule, stay hungry, then maybe good things can happen. I don't think age is an issue."
Federer
After winning the 2018 Australian Open
Ten in Halle and Basel
Federer's event of choice to prepare for Wimbledon is the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany, where he's won nine titles, including four in the past five years. Federer is likely to be fresh and well-rested by skipping the clay season this year as well, a 10th title in Halle seems most likely to happen this year itself.
Another favourite is his hometown tournament, the Swiss Indoors in Basel, where in 1993, a 12-year-old Federer was a ball boy and he has now won eight times. With the form he is in, 10 is not far away.
I was doubting myself because losing in the opening round [in Stuttgart] for the first time in 15 years on grass shook me a little bit. So I'm happy to let that be forgotten and move on."
Federer
After winning his ninth Halle title in 2017
Second French Open, second career Slam
Realistically, it's hard to imagine Federer winning a second French Open since he is unlikely to play on clay this season -- if last year was any indication. But a second French Open title, and thus a double career Grand Slam (winning each of the four majors at least twice) is always a theoretical possibility.
In 2017, Federer played a judicious schedule, skipping the entire clay circuit, and the time off paid off in a big way. When Federer came back, he won Halle and Wimbledon. So there’s no reason to think he’ll step foot into Paris this year.
I need to recognize that scheduling will be the key to my longevity moving forward. Thus, my team and I concluded that playing just one event on clay was not in the best interest of my tennis and physical preparation for the remainder of the season."
Federer
Announcing his withdrawal from the 2017 French Open, after initially having planned to play it
Surpassing Serena, Connors
Serena Williams with 23 Grand Slam titles, has the most by any player in the Open Era (Margaret Court's 24 span both sides of the Era). Federer is at 20 and while its not entirely impossible, surpassing 23, with Serena still playing, does seem like a demanding challenge.
Also, Federer at 96 titles, still has to surpass Jimmy Connors, who at 109, has the highest number of ATP singles titles in the Open Era.
It’s a little surreal. I think reaching No. 1 is one of the ultimate achievements in our sport. And when you’re older, you feel like you have to sometimes put double the work in. So this one maybe means the most to me. It's a dream come true."
Federer
After ensuring his return to No. 1 by making the semifinals in Rotterdam
What do you think Federer is most likely to win?
What do you think Federer is most likely to win?