Federer Surpasses Four-Year Anniversary at No. 1

© Getty ImagesRoger Federer

There has been many changes in the Top 10 South African Airways ATP Rankings over the past four years. Players have come and gone, some bursting on the scene as a teenager while others have retired after an outstanding career.

But one ranking position that has remained constant occupied by Roger Federer. Last weekend Federer reached the four year anniversary mark as the No. 1 player in the South African Airways ATP Rankings.

It was Feb. 2, 2004 when the Swiss superstar claimed the top position in men's tennis after winning his second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

For four years, or 210 weeks, Federer has been the only player to remain a constant fixture in the Top 10. One other player, Andy Roddick, has spent nearly as much time as Federer in the Top 10, ranking there all but four weeks. Roddick was also the last player to rank No. 1 before Federer's reign at the top.

Four years ago, Roddick and David Nalbandian were the other players who joined Federer in the Top 10 (see chart below). Federer and Roddick have finished in the Top 10 the last six years, the longest current streak among active players.

During Federer's incredible streak at No. 1, the longest in professional tennis, he has won 41 titles, including 13 ATP Masters Series and 10 Grand Slam crowns. Only two other players have won at least 10 titles in the last four years -- rival Rafael Nadal (23) and Roddick (12).

Federer has compiled a 313-25 (.926) match record (41-9 in finals) while at No. 1 and he previously was 243-110 (.688) with 12 titles in 20 finals.

At 26 years old, Federer has his sights on three other players to have each spent more than 200 weeks at the top of the ATP Rankings: Pete Sampras (286 weeks), Ivan Lendl (270) and Jimmy Connors (268). Sampras led the ATP circuit with a record six year-end No. 1 finishes from 1993-98.

Here is a look at the ATP Rankings four years ago and this week along with the ranking of the current Top 10 and where they ranked on Feb. 2, 2004: