Tennis

Federer breaks Connors's world number one streak

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-02-27 08:51

GRAND SLAM

At the Australian Open last month Federer won a 10th grand slam title, becoming the first man in 27 years to win a major without dropping a set.

Winning all four majors this year and holding the grand slam would seem to be the next obvious target for Federer, but the mild-mannered Swiss is not getting ahead of himself.

"(The grand slam) is not really a goal I set myself," Federer told a conference call after his win over Pless. "I can't look beyond the French Open because I have never won it and I really hope I can win it this year."

He is also looking forward to next year's Olympic Games while another goal this year is to again win the prestigious Sportsman of the Year prize at the Laureus awards, although he may face competition from friend Tiger Woods.

"It is always hard to compare different sports. Maybe I have had my best year so I hope I can win again," he said. "(Tiger) has got it easier as he is playing on grass all the time."

But such is Federer's dominance in tennis, the Swiss made sure he would overtake Connors by winning the season-ending Masters Cup in November.

However, he doubted that he would play on into his 40s like Connors did.

"I doubt I'll still be playing then because the game is more demanding these days," said Federer, who will be honoured in Switzerland with a special stamp to celebrate his achievement.

"But I'm definitely getting more focused on what happens after tennis," Federer added, mentioning his foundation and the possibility of starting a family and getting married.

He said Connors had not been in contact, although good friend Tim Henman had sent him a congratulatory text message.

Connors has hailed Federer in the past though, when he awarded the former ballboy with a watch for being a promising young Swiss player.

"I don't know if I still have it," Federer joked.