Roger Federer is now the longest-serving world number one in the history of the ATP world rankings.


Roger Federer: In his 287th week as world number one

When the new ranking list was published on Monday, the Wimbledon champion's name was still top of it - the 287th time that has been the case.

He therefore passes Pete Sampras' tally of 286 weeks as world number one and adds another record to his name.

Federer said: "It is really an amazing feeling for me to have regained the number one ranking on the ATP World Tour.

"I had set a goal with my team to try and get back to the top of the rankings, but I never thought with the depth in the game this year that I would have been able to get it back so quickly.

"I am 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 added on the ATP's official website: "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."

ATP chairman Brad Drewett said claiming the record was the "ultimate testament to his excellence and longevity".

Federer currently tops the ATP list by just 75 points from previous number one Novak Djokovic.

The situation could next change at the Olympics when all the leading players are due to be in action. The gold medallist will receive 750 ranking points.

This week's ranking list shows no change among the top 10.