Federer eyes another record

Players Under the Microscope / Editor / 26 February 2007 / Leave a Comment

Roger Federer has broken a 30-year-old record to become the longest reigning world number one player.

The Swiss ace has held the top spot now for 161 consecutive weeks, beating the previous best held by American legend Jimmy Connors.

Connors' unbeaten run came between July 1974 and August 1977, but with Federer's continued dominance it looks like he could extend the reign for some time.

After claiming on impressive record, Federer has already got his eyes on another achievement.
The 25-year-old: "He's still got the record for most titles (109 to Federer's 46) which I don't think will ever be eclipsed. He's one of the all-time great players.

"He played for such a long time which allowed him to get so many titles, but to stay fit through all that time with his intensity and everything, it's quite remarkable."

Federer returns to action following four weeks off at the Dubai Championship. The world number one is the 1.39 favourite to claim another ATP tour title this week.

Rafael Nadal is trading at 12 for Dubai success, Thomas Berdych is available at 16 while Memphis winner Tommy Haas can be backed at 21.