Federer qualifies for ATP Finals for record 15th time
(Reuters) - Roger Federer has secured his place in the ATP Finals for a record 15th time after the Swiss world number three won a record eighth Wimbledon title on Sunday, the Association of Tennis Professionals confirmed on Monday.
The 35-year-old six-time champion joins French Open winner Rafa Nadal in the season-ending tournament at the O2 Arena in London, having played in the event for a record 14 consecutive years from 2002-15 before missing out last year through injury.
The previous record for most number of qualifications to the World Tour Finals was held by Andre Agassi, who qualified 14 times. But Federer already had the record for most appearances at the mega event with 14, as Agassi didn’t participate in the tournament in 1995 despite qualifying (he appeared a total of 13 times). The other players who have appeared at least 10 times are Ivan Lendl (12), Pete Sampras (11), Boris Becker (11), Jimmy Connors (11) and Novak Djokovic (10).
"I look forward to returning to London in November," Federer said. "I was sad not to be able to compete last year as I love playing there and had not missed the event since 2002."
The 19-times grand slam winner has won five tournaments this year, including the Australian Open, and is on target to return to the top of the world rankings for the first time since 2012 if he maintains the form that has earned him a 31-2 record.
Federer and Nadal will be joined at the Nov. 12-19 event by the remainder of the top eight players in the Race to London standings following the Paris Masters.