ROTTERDAM, Netherlands -- Roger Federer added another highlight to his age-defying career resurgence by returning to the top of the world rankings on Friday after more than five years and becoming the oldest No. 1 at 36.
"What an amazing run it's been and a journey it's been for me ... to clinch world No. 1," said Federer, who won three of the last five Grand Slams to put him on track to the top.
On Monday, he will 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.
"Reaching No. 1 is one of, if not the ultimate achievement in our sport," Federer said.