In another extraordinary peak in an unparalleled career, Roger Federer is set to arrive for the Australian summer as the oldest world No.1 in almost half a century of professional tennis.
Unbeaten since the US Open, so resurgent has Federer been in 2014 that the ageless champion could regain the top ranking from Novak Djokovic as early as Monday.
But even if he doesn’t, the 33-year-old father of four remains well placed to end the season at the summit for a record-equalling sixth time – matching Pete Sampras – and launch his summer campaign as top seed at the Brisbane International on January 5.
After finishing 2013 with 24 straight wins, new dad Djokovic is under pressure to defend a mountain of points at this week’s Paris Masters and the season-ending World Tour Finals in London.
Anything less than back-to-back titles at both prestigious events will open the door for Federer to usurp the Serb and return for a fourth stint as world No.1 – two years after relinquishing top spot to Djokovic.
The Swiss master has already held the top ranking for a record total of 302 weeks and, should he reclaim the mantle as the game’s premier player, Federer will almost certainly retain his status to secure top seeding at the Australian Open.
Incredibly, that would mean Federer arriving at Melbourne Park as world No.1 a decade after he first enjoyed top billing for the season’s opening grand slam.
Not even Federer’s most loyal fans could have imagined such a scenario after he plummeted to No.8 in the world following the 2014 Australian Open, his lowest ranking in 12 years.
But five titles and a tour-best 67 wins this season – including 13 straight after Thursday’s second-round victory over Jeremy Chardy in Paris – have Federer poised to pen another glorious chapter in the tennis history book that is fast becoming his personal diary.
Andre Agassi holds the record as the oldest men’s world No.1 since rankings were introduced in 1973.
The American last reigned four months after his 32nd birthday.
But Federer is almost a year older as he closes in on Djokovic.
“It would be very special to reclaim number one,” said the 17-times grand slam champion.
“World No.1 is what it’s all about in our game and with the year I have had and the amount of finals I have played, the level of tennis I have played, I am pleased to see that I have a shot.”
In a potentially joyous double, Federer could also crown his renaissance by leading Switzerland to their historic first Davis Cup title in next month’s final against France in Lille.
HOW FEDERER CAN REGAIN THE WORLD NO.1 RANKING ON MONDAY
– Federer wins Paris Masters and Djokovic doesn’t reach the final.
– Federer reaches Paris Masters final and Djokovic doesn’t reach the quarter-finals.
