Federer passes Sampras for record time at No. 1

[July 16, 2012]  LONDON (AP) -- Roger Federer has surpassed Pete Sampras to set the record for the most weeks at No. 1 in the ATP rankings.

After winning Wimbledon a week ago, Federer returned to the top for the first time since June 2010, and his 287th week at No. 1 -- one more than Sampras.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion says he is "extremely proud and honored to have beaten Pete's record as he was my childhood hero and I have always looked up to him."

The Swiss star will enter the Olympics next week as the world's top-ranked player.

Sampras says "the hardest thing to do in sports is the ability to stay on top. Roger has been able to do so by great play and durability."

[Associated Press]

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