Federer Gets Step Closer to Career Win Record

Whenever Roger Federer wins at this year’s Wimbledon tennis championship, he raises expectations of setting a new record in tennis.

Since the 28-year-old Swiss sensation has advanced to the semifinals, he is two wins away from breaking the career mark for major championships (15). He won his 14th title at the French Open last month to tie Pete Sampras of the United States.

Federer could break the record just six years after clinching his first Wimbledon title in 2003. As evidenced by his semifinal advance in 21 consecutive majors, he has shown virtually no fluctuation in performance.

Federer has demonstrated confidence and ability on all courts. Sampras needed 12 years to win his 14 titles (1990-2002). His best performance in the French Open was advance to the semifinal.

Joo Won-hong, coach of the Samsung Securities tennis team, said, “Federer has a very flexible body and has suffered no injuries, so he has attained major achievements in a short period of time.”

Nevertheless, Federer will have to win more titles to catch up with the women’s leader in majors. Steffi Graf of Germany won 22 titles: four Australian Opens, six French Opens, seven Wimbledons, and five U.S. Opens.

In golf, Jack Nicholas is the career tournament leader with 18 wins, but Tiger Woods is rapidly catching up with 14 wins. In women’s golf, Patty Berg won the most titles with 15 between 1938 and 1957.

The competition between Woods and Federer over who will win more majors is heating up. In golf, more than 100 players participate in a tournament, trying to overcome nature, weather and course conditions. In tennis, a player claims a title by beating seven rivals over a two-week period in a tournament.

Three major golf championships are held in the U.S. and one in England per year. In comparison, tennis players play on courts made of diverse materials in Australia, Europe and the U.S.

In golf, a player who suffers a setback on a given day can come from behind the following day. In tennis, if one is in poor condition or faces a tricky opponent on match day, he or she is eliminated.

With golf and tennis featuring different characteristics, analysts also have a myriad of conflicting views.

kjs0123@donga.com