Sports
Federer reached the semi-finals of the Rotterdam Open to reclaim the ATP world number spot.
Updated : Feb 17, 2018, 06:52 PM IST
Swiss tennis star Roger Federer became the oldest world number one as he reached the semi-finals of the Rotterdam Open. As soon as tributes started pouring in for the 20-time Grand Slam winner from current and former players.
The 36-year-old made a historic return to numero uno spot by overcoming an early scare from Netherlands' Robin Haase to clinch a 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 triumph and book his place in the semi-finals of the Rotterdam Open.
Federer would now replace old rival Rafael Nadal at the top of the rankings
From German tennis great Boris Becker to Arsenal footballer Mesut Ozil all took to their Twitter account to wish Federer for achieving the historic feat.
Andre Agassi, who was the oldest world number one, before Federer wrote, "36 years 195 days...@RogerFederer continues to raise the bar in our sport. Congratulations on yet another remarkable achievement!!"
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
Former German tennis great Boris Becker tweeted, "@rogerfederer continues writing history!!! #goat @ATPWorldTour"
@rogerfederer continues writing history!!! #goat @ATPWorldTour
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) February 16, 2018
We are ALL watching @rogerfederer now ...becoming oldest ever number 1....@ATPWorldTour @abnamrowtt
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) February 16, 2018
Former German tennis player Nicolas Kiefer wrote: "Congratulations @rogerfederer on another amazing achievement! The oldest player to become World No. 1 on the @ATPWorldTour at age 36. #Federer #GOAT"
Congratulations @rogerfederer on another amazing achievement! The oldest player to become World No. 1 on the @ATPWorldTour at age 36. #Federer #GOAT
— Nicolas Kiefer (@Nicolas_Kiefer) February 16, 2018
American tennis coach Brad Gilbert: Congrats to RF2.0 @rogerfederer amazing accomplishment back at #1 at 36 years young.
congrats to RF2.0 @rogerfederer amazing accomplishment back at #1 at 36 years young
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) February 16, 2018
Former Swiss player Jonas Bjorkman: WORLD NR 1 again! @rogerfederer is like a good bottle of wine who just gets better with age;). Amazing accomplishment!
WORLD NR 1 again!@rogerfederer is like a good bottle of wine who just gets better with age;). Amazing accomplishment!
— Jonas Bjorkman (@BjorkmanTennis) February 17, 2018
Arsenal footballer Mesut Ozil: Back to where he belongs at world number #1. Congratulations @RogerFederer
Back to where he belongs at world number #1. Congratulations @RogerFederer https://t.co/QJiOP8A44T
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) February 16, 2018
Former South Africa golfer Gary Player: Congratulations @rogerfederer back at World #1. Respect. Age is just a number. GOAT
Congratulations @rogerfederer back at World #1. Respect. Age is just a number. GOAT
— Gary Player (@garyplayer) February 16, 2018
By becoming the oldest number one male player, Federer surpassed eight-time Grand Slam winner Andre Agassi, who previously held the record at 33 years since September 2003.