By beating Gaël Monfils to reach the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open yesterday, Roger Federer claimed the 1,200th win of his career at the tender age of 37.
For perspective, Federer's career stretches all the way back to the nineties - but it is his ability to remain competitive into his late-thirties that makes the athlete so mesmerising to watch.
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The Swiss figure made quite the statement last year, winning the Australian Open - his 20th major title. But, clearly, the hunger and ability is still there to chase more.
Federer will now attempt to claim the 1,201st win of his career today when he faces Dominic Thiem in the quarter-finals of the tournament in the Spanish capital.
Joining the veteran, and Thiem, in the quarter-finals are fellow veterans Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka and Marin Čilić. To add a little bit of spice to proceedings, youngsters Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas play each other, with at least one of them guaranteed a spot in the last-four.
Great game today vs @Gael_Monfils,
Thank you fans for the special atmosphere here in Madrid 🙌 pic.twitter.com/hC6kiahtlo— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) May 9, 2019
After his historic win, Federer discussed the achievment and dealt with questions regarding his return to playing on a clay surface- generally regarded as the surface he is weakest on.
Anything is sort of possible. The very good, the very bad, you know. But it's tough to just come out and play fantastic tennis. I also have to come to terms with how to play on clay again, what's normal, which points to lose and which points to win again.
There's always these natural things that you go through for weeks on the clay usually, so I don't have that much time, so I have to accept errors that maybe I wouldn't do normally and just move on with it.
