Roger Federer rises to the top of the rankings for the first time in more than five years

Source: REUTERS: Michael Kooren

Roger Federer added another feather in his cap after his age-defying career resurgence by returning to the top of the world rankings this week after more than five years and becoming the oldest world's no. 1 at the age of 36.

Beating leading Dutch player Robin Haase on his home ground 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 in the quarterfinals at the ABN AMRO World Tournament means Federer becomes the oldest player, male nor female, to top the world's tennis rankings. This also means that he surpasses Andre Agassi, who held the men's record at age 33.

Federer will overtake 31-year-old Rafael Nadal to no.1 when the ATP rankings are updated on Monday. He will also extend his record of 302 weeks at no. 1 since the rankings began in 1973. Pete Sampras is a distant second with 286 weeks at the top. Novak Djokovic is the closest active player, with 223 weeks at no. 1.

Source:  AAP

Federer now faces Italian Andreas Seppi in the semifinals in Rotterdam after Seppi beat Russian Daniil Medvedev, while the other semifinal match will feature Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov and Belgian David Goffin.

Federer won the Australian Open in January for his 20th Grand Slam title. He had not originally planned to play in Rotterdam but accepted a wildcard when it became clear he might be able to take back the top spot. Nadal hasn't played since retired due to an injury in the Australian Open quarterfinals.

Roger Federer's 20 Grand Slams achievement

Rafael Nadal doesn't like losing to Andy Murray

The world no.1's face says it all! He seems pissed off LOL!

Andy Murray has beaten an injured (*yawn*) Rafael Nadal 6-3, 4-6, 6-0 at the ABN Amro tournament.

Just like the hard court, hopefully Nadal will find ways to deal with Murray soon.

Anyway, Nadal's fans shouldn't be worrying too much. Instead Novak Djokovic and his fans should because Murray is closing the gap to top three.

(Images by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)

Rafa, would you be my Valentine?

Well, that's not what I said but a couple of fans at the semifinal match between Rafael Nadal and Gael Monfils at the ABN Amro :P

Has anyone seen Xisca at the player's box?

By the way the scores are out. Nadal wins 6-4, 6-4 to set up a dream final with Andy Murray.

It's revenge time!

(Image by AP Photo/Ermindo Armino)

Grigor Dimitrov steals the show at ABN Amro

Wimbledon and US Open junior champ, Grigor Dimitrov made his professional debut at the ABN Amro this week and he certainly made good use of the wild card given him.

First he defeated Tomas Berdych 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

And last night, he pushed Rafael Nadal to a three setter.

Nadal survived after pulling out a 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 victory to advance to the quarterfinals.

“He will certainly be a great player and for sure reach the top 10,” Nadal said.

Grigor Dimitrov's new coach, Peter Lundgren, who has coached Marcelo Rios, Marat Safin and Roger Federer, considers the Bulgarian one of the world's biggest talents.

"This boy has the potential to win a "Grand Slam" tournament. He's even better than Federer was when he was his age.

"Grigor makes excellent volleys and has better physic than Roger. We are now starting to advance in the men's tournaments and hope to enter the top 100 this year", Lundgren comments.

With his good looks and talent, this boy is definitely going to go far.

Check out a couple of his photos from the US Open and Wimbledon last year.


(Via AP, news.bg; Images via zimbio, daylife.com)