Roger Federer on verge of historic mark

Jimmy Connors played on the ATP Tour until he was past 40 and made it to the semifinals of the 1991 US Open just days after turning 39.

In the process, he won a record 223 matches at tennis’ four grand slam championships.

Earlier today, Roger Federer tied that record with a first-round victory at the French Open. He tied Connors and was able to do so at the age of 30.

”Jimmy Connors was a huge champion. Still is,” Federer said after the win.

Federer, currently ranked third in the world and the winner of four tournaments in 2012, should be able to claim the record as his own with a victory in the second round later this week.

Among the records Federer already has is probably the most coveted one of all: most grand slam singles titles won by a male player in history. His 16 wins (6 Wimbledon, 5 US Open, 4 Australian Open, 1 French Open) are double the eight Connors won during his career.

Federer was reminded Monday that his very first grand slam victory was at the 2000 Australian Open and the man he beat was Michael Chang who was once ranked as high as number two in the world.

”You step back, you realize you have been playing for quite a long time,” Federer said. “When I started, I loved playing against those famous players I used to see on TV. Now I’m playing against younger players, a new generation. t’s great I didn’t suffer that many injuries over these years. And I always had fun playing tennis.”