Grand total Roger Federer equals Jimmy Connors’ record

ROGER Federer added yet another record to his long list of achievements when he netted his 233rd grand slam victory with a 6-2, 7-5, 6-3 win against German Tobias Kamke in the first round of the French Open yesterday.

The third-seeded Swiss matched Jimmy Connors’ professional era (since 1968) mark despite hitting some wayward shots against the world No 78. “That (record) is a big one, because (it means) longevity. I have been so successful for such a long time and to already tie that record, (at) 30 years old is pretty incredible, so I’m very happy,” said Federer. “And it’s been around for – Jimmy is obviously one of the greats of all time, and was around for 20 years.”

Novak Djokovic also won through, while Scotland’s world No 4 Andy Murray begins his quest to try and win a first Grand Slam tournament when he faces Japanese player Tatsuma Ito, in the fourth match of the day on Court Suzanne Lenglen. Top seed Rafael Nadal faces Simone Bolelli on Court Philippe Chatrier.