Today In Sports History (February 1, 2004)

On this day in 2004, Roger Federer won his first Australian Open championship and second career Grand Slam. Federer beat Marat Safin in three sets (7-6, 6-4, 6-2) capturing the championship win. Federer would go on to win at Wimbledon and the US Open capturing three of the four major tournaments in one year. The day after his Australian Open victory, Roger Federer jumped to the world no. 1 spot. He would go on to hold that spot for a record 237 consecutive weeks (August 18, 2008). Federer has won the Australian Open 6 times in his career. The only Grand Slam tournament Federer has won more than the Australian Open is Wimbledon, where Federer has won 8 times. Federer also has the two longest streaks in tennis history for consecutive Grand Slam finals appearances (8, 10). In total, Roger Federer has 20 major tennis championships, which is tied for the most all-time with Rafael Nadal. Federer is often regarded by most as the best tennis player in the history of the game.