Big Titles: Federer Reclaims Outright Lead

It did not take long for Roger Federer to reclaim the top spot among ‘Big Titles’ winners, kicking off his 2017 campaign with the Australian Open title on Sunday.

The Swiss’ fifth triumph Down Under, as a result of a thrilling 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 win over Rafael Nadal, brings his Big Titles total haul to 48. Coupled with six ATP Finals crowns and 24 at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 level, Federer’s 18th Grand Slam victory moves him ahead of Novak Djokovic for the Big Titles lead. He has won 89 tour-level crowns overall.

Consistency has been the hallmark of Federer’s career, since claiming his first Big Title in Hamburg nearly 16 years ago, when the tournament was a Masters 1000 event. He has since notched at least one such victory in 14 different seasons. The Swiss has played 206 tournaments at this level, averaging one title for each 4.3 events played.

Djokovic is in second place with 47 in total. The all-time Masters 1000 leader (30) has also claimed 12 major crowns and five at the ATP Finals. The World No. 2 has by the far the best conversion rate of any player, past or present, winning one Big Title for every 3.2 events played at this level.

Nadal, who was bidding for a 15th major crown, also boasts an exceptional strike rate, winning one Big Title for every 3.6 appearances. He is joint second all-time (with Pete Sampras) for most Grand Slam titles won with 14 and outright second all-time for most ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles won with 28 crowns, just two behind Djokovic’s record haul.

Current and Former Champions’ Big Titles Won (Records Since 1990)