Roger Federer Becomes Oldest No. 1 by Reaching Rotterdam Semis
(February 16, 2018) Roger Federer will return to the No. 1 spot on Monday. The 36-year-old Swiss is now the oldest man to hold the top ranking. He last held the ranking back in November 2012.
“What an amazing run it’s been and a journey it’s been for me … to clinch world No. 1,” said Federer.
Federer beat Dutch player Robin Haase 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 in the quarterfinals at the ABN AMRO World Tournament to reach the milestone. He now passes Andre Agassi, who held the previous men’s record at age 33.
“Getting to No. 1 and enjoying it right here at 36, almost 37 years old is an absolute dream come true,” Federer said. “I can’t believe it.”
Federer plays lucky loser Andreas Seppi of Italy in the semifinals on Saturday.
Federer has won three out of the last five majors since returning to the tour in 2017. Nadal won the other two. Federer leapfrogs Nadal on Monday. Nadal, who is due to play the Acapulco event, has not played since retiring from his quarterfinal match at the Australian Open.