Roger Federer sets the record for the most weeks at number one in the ATP rankings

Federer with the trophy after his men's singles final victory over Andy Murray (GETTY IMAGES)

Roger Federer has broken the record for the most weeks at number one in the ATP world rankings.

The Swiss ace returned to top spot for the first time since the 2010 French Open after winning Wimbledon last week and, as of today, he now boasts 287 weeks in the position, moving one clear of Pete Sampras' previous-best mark.

The 30-year-old Federer, whose success at Wimbledon was his 17th grand slam title and saw him move level with Sampras and William Renshaw as record seven-time winners at the All England club, said: "It is really an amazing feeling for me to have regained the number one ranking on the ATP World Tour.

"I had set a goal with my team to try and get back to the top of the rankings, but I never thought with the depth in the game this year that I would have been able to get it back so quickly.

"I am extremely proud and honoured to have beaten Pete's record as he was my childhood hero and I have always looked up to him."

Sampras added on http://www.atpworldtour.com: "Great effort. The hardest thing to do in sports is the ability to stay on top. Roger has been able to do so by great play and durability."

Federer is now guaranteed to keep the number one spot through the Olympics.

PA