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Record breaker Federer has McEnroe in his sights
By Li Jian (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-11-11 06:37
WORLD RANKINGS
This year the 24-year-old Federer has chalked up an impressive list of firsts
and, ominously for his rivals, has shown no signs of loosening his vice-like
grip on the top of the world rankings.
He became the first man to win back-to-back Wimbledon
and U.S. Open titles in consecutive years since the game turned professional in
1968.
He became the first man to win four Masters Series events in a season with
victory in Cincinnati.
He has won his last 24 finals, 12 better than the previous record.
He has won 40 consecutive matches on hardcourt, breaking former world number
one Sampras's professional-era record of 34 during the U.S. Open.
He also joined an elite club of only four men since records began in the
1880s to win their first six grand slam finals. In the professional era nobody
has won more than their first three.
"I'm happy I have some records because it makes it more fun for me, not only
to play against the other guys but to occasionally play against history," said
Federer, who holds a 1,460-point advantage in the standings over world number
two Rafael Nadal.
"I still cannot believe how well I've been playing over the last few years
and that it just keeps on going.
"It's incredible because last year was fantastic with the three grand slam
(wins) and the Masters Cup (victory) and all the other titles. Now to have a
chance to maybe improve it is fantastic."
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