Rotterdam (Nether-lands): Roger Federer became the oldest world number one on Friday when the 20-time Grand Slam title winner reached the semifinals of the Rotterdam Open.
The 36-year-old Swiss overcame an early setback to beat Robin Haase of the Netherlands 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 and will replace old rival Rafael Nadal at the top of the rankings.
Federer surpasses Andre Agassi, who held the top spot aged 33 years and 131 days in 2003, as the oldest man to claim the world number one spot.
It is Federer’s first time back at the summit since October 2012 having first claimed the top position in February 2004. “Reaching number one is the ultimate achievement in tennis. When you’re older you have to work double the amount, you have to wrestle it back from someone who’s worked hard to get there. It’s a dream come true,” an emotional Federer said on court.
Agassi was amongst the first to congratulate Federer. “36 years 195 days... @rogerfederer continues to raise the bar in our sport. Congratulations on yet another remarkable achievement!!,” tweeted the American.
Federer dropped his first set of the week against the aggressive Haase but regained control to ease to victory as the Dutchman struggled with a back injury.
The Swiss triumphed to the cheers of the fans in 79 minutes, ending with six aces. Haase finished on a disappointing note with his second double-fault on match point.
Meanwhile, Second seed Grigor Dimitrov edged towards a possible first Rotterdam final as he dispatched young Russian Andrey Rublev 6-3, 6-4 to reach the semifinals.
The Bulgarian duplicated his 2013 semi at the Ahoy Stadium with a win in an hour and a quarter, sending down a dozen aces and saving both break points he faced at the hands of his 20-year-old opponent.
