London: The 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer set a new record Monday when he surpassed Pete Sampras` feat to be world number one for the 287th week.
The Swiss great regained the top spot in the ATP rankings after winning the Wimbledon last week and equalled Sampras` achievement of being number one for 286 weeks.
Federer said he was "extremely proud and honoured to have beaten Pete`s record as he was my childhood hero and I have always looked up to him."
Sampras was all praises for Federer.
"Great effort. 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," the American told the ATP website.
Federer, 31, is guaranteed to keep the numero uno spot through the London Olympics.
IANS
First Published: Tuesday, July 17, 2012, 00:04
