It seems surreal, but the fact that Roger Federer has reclaimed the world number one spot will go down as one of the greatest sporting achievements in history.
18 months ago, Federer was contemplating quitting the game that he loved so much. After all, what was left for arguably the greatest male tennis player to achieve?
After recovering from a serious injury, Federer scripted a fairy tale when he lifted the Australian Open last year. He then passed the French Open to prepare for Wimbledon.
He did not disappoint, as the legendary Swiss won a record eight Wimbledon title, as the world could just stand and applaud as this magical renaissance unfolded in front of their eyes.
Federer then won the 2018 Australian Open, to become the first man to record 20 Grand Slam titles, as feat that removes all doubt from his status as the greatest player to play the game.
After beating Robin Hasse at the Rotterdam Open, Federer became the oldest man to become world number at 36, beating Andre Agassi’s previous record.
This is what Federer had to say after becoming the new world number one,
“Reaching No 1 is one of, if not the ultimate achievement in our sport,” Federer said afterwards. “Sometimes at the beginning you just kind of get there because you played so well but later you have to fight for it and have to wrestle it back from someone who deserves to be there. When you are older you maybe have to put double the work in. This maybe means the most to me in my career.”
Federer also sent a message on Twitter after accomplishing this feat,
“Apparently I’m the oldest tennis player with a #1 ranking. Somebody might have mentioned that to me already but I had a hard time hearing.”
“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.”
