Roger Federer equalled
Jimmy Connors' record for most Grand Slam match wins (233) on Monday when the
third seed and 2009 champion defeated Tobias Kamke of Germany 6-2, 7-5, 6-3 at
Roland Garros.
Federer, who is
competing at his 50th major championship, is now 233-35 lifetime at the Grand
Slams. It was also the 50th victory of his career at Roland Garros (50-12). He
fought back from a 2-4 deficit in the second set, but hit 38 winners and seven
aces overall. When attacking the net, he won 20 of 29 points.
"It's a big
record, because that was longevity," said Federer. "Jimmy is
obviously one of the greats of all time, and was around for 20 years. I love
the big tournaments. I have been so successful for such a long time and to
already tie that record, which is 30 years old is pretty incredible, so I'm
very happy."
Connors' record of
tour-level titles may well remain beyond Federer's grasp. But the 16-time major
champion can dream. "He had 109 career victories, I'm at 74 now,"
explained Federer. "Is it possible for me to equal Connors' titles? 110, that
would be a round figure. That would be incredible. But that's a dream. I go
year after year, and we'll see."
The Swiss superstar is
looking to become the first man aged 30 or over to win a major title since
Andre Agassi won the 2003 Australian Open aged 32 years, 272 days. Federer beat
Soderling for the 2009 title and is also a four-time runner-up
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