As the Swiss number one Roger Federer chases his 17th grand slam victory at the French open this week, he has just toppled another tennis record as he equals jimmy Connors record of winning 233 grand slam matches, with his very first coming against Michael Chang back in 2001 in the French Open where he set his new record.
Federer brought up the record after a straight set win against German tennis pro, Tobias Kambe 6-2, 7-5, 6-3. The Record equalling victory was not the thirty year olds best match, having dropped his serve three time and making an uncharacteristic forty seven unforced errors during the match up, but The Swiss superstar was said to be happy to have won, conceding that first round matches are never easy regardless of opposition.
Although this record may not be Federer’s greatest achievement to date, one thing it does demonstrate the longevity of his ability. Since bursting onto the scene as an eighteen year old the former world number one, which he held for a record of two hundred and thirty seven weeks and two hundred and eighty five throughout his career has been an ever present figure at grand slam championships and dominated the sport since his first grand slam victory at Wimbledon in 2003.
However with his last grand slam victory nearly two and a half years ago, at the Australian Open and a loss in last year French Open final against clay expert Rafa Nadal, it is uncertain where his next grand slam will come from. Although still incredibly impressive on court his sense of invincibility has been tarnished by the rise of both Nadal and Djokivic who have began to dominate grand slam victories in recent years. Tennis fans across the globe will be hoping he can bag himself a few more especially at Wimbledon which has become entwined with Federer’s career.