More records for Roger Federer

Roger Federer crushed Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 6-2 to win the Rotterdam Open for the third time after 2005 and 2012. The title was the icing on the cake after clinching the World No. 1 position. The victory gives the Swiss superstar his 97th ATP title and second of the year.

As has become the norm, Federer set a few records this week.

1. The Rotterdam Open was Federer's 20th ATP 500 title and he now holds the record for most ATP 500 singles titles. He was tied with Rafael Nadal on 19
2. On reaching the semi-finals, Federer became the oldest ever Men's World No. 1 at 36 years and 195 days. He smashed the previous record of 33 years and 131 days held by Andre Agassi by 3 years and 64 days. Fun Fact: Federer is the oldest World No. 1 of all time as he also beat Serena Williams's record of 35 years and 224 days
3. The longest period between No. 1 positions. Federer was last No. 1 in 2012, a period of 5 years and 106 days. Fun Fact: Only Caroline Wozniacki has a longer period of 6 years.
4. The longest period between first topping the rankings and the latest spell: He first became No. 1 on February 2, 2004, a gap of 14 years and 17 days. Nadal held the previous record of 9 years and 184 days.
5. Federer already holds the most weeks at No. 1 at 302 weeks which he will now extend.

Federer was presented a special award on becoming the oldest No 1 in ATP history

Appreciation for his achievement has come pouring in. The Swiss Maestro received a touching response from his rival, Nadal, after becoming No 1.

"Roger Federer has amply demonstrated what he is and did not need to return to No. 1 to prove it. At his age, he has achieved something very complicated and we must congratulate him." Nadal stated

Some tweets are as below:

36 years 195 days...@RogerFederer continues to raise the bar in our sport. Congratulations on yet another remarkable achievement!!

— Andre Agassi (@AndreAgassi) February 16, 2018

@rogerfederer continues writing history!!! #goat @ATPWorldTour

— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) February 16, 2018

Age is nothing but a number. Congratulations, @rogerfederer! #championstatus https://t.co/S0lKPyDDaV

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) February 16, 2018

The Legend himself tweeted

Apparently I'm the oldest tennis player with a #1️⃣ ranking. Somebody might have mentioned that to me already but I had a hard time hearing 👴🏻

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) February 16, 2018

Federer will remain No. 1 at least until Indian Wells as Nadal cannot catch him even if he ends up winning the Acapulco Open. If the Swiss can end the year as No. 1, then he will break Nadal's record as oldest year-end No. 1. We will need to wait and see how long Federer can hold on to the No 1 position and we wish him all the best.