© Henk Koster

Roger Federer celebrates match point against Robin Haase with victory assuring his return to World No. 1.

Social Media Reacts To Federer’s Return To No. 1

Feb172018
ATP Staff
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Swiss great’s peers among the first to pay tribute

A double fault from Dutchman Robin Haase at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament was the final point that ensured Roger Federer would rewrite the history books with a return to the No. 1 ATP Ranking on Monday. And upon sealing the result in the Rotterdam quarter-finals on Friday, the tributes flowed for the 36-year-old Swiss star from current and former players, coaches, sporting greats and fans alike. Federer surpasses Andre Agassi as the oldest player to reach No. 1. The American stood at the pinnacle at age 33 on 7 September 2003 and was among the first to tip his hat to the feat.

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Having deemed his return to the top as “one of, if not the ultimate achievement in our sport”, given his age, Federer said this stint at No. 1 meant the most. Amid all the heady praise, he preferred to make fun at his own expense.

When Federer surpasses Rafael Nadal on Monday, he will break the longest time between reigns at World No.1, having last held down top spot on 4 November 2012, five years and 106 days ago. A string of retired players – many now respected coaches, including Federer’s one-time coach Paul Annacone – joined Agassi in paying tribute. ANNACONE Sporting legends from the likes of German footballer Mesut Özil to South African golfer Gary Player were among those to honour Federer’s achievement. There was no shortage of fans, too, paying their respects. The Swiss great’s achievement was resonating globally on social media.
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