"It's not about the number of Grand Slams played, it's about how many years I have been playing at the top level. This is the most important thing"
Wednesday 4 July 2018 13:41, UK
Feliciano Lopez toasted his 66th successive visit to the tennis majors by beating Roger Federer's record for consecutive Grand Slam appearances.
Lopez said it was high time he found a way to beat the 20-time Grand Slam champion as the Spaniard cruised past Federico Delbonis 6-3 6-4 6-2 and into the second round at Wimbledon.
The 36-year-old, whose incredible unbroken run began at the 2002 French Open, revealed his pride at setting that new major tournament record, but accepted a fair slice of luck too, in avoiding major injury.
I haven't suffered any big injuries in my career. This is the most important thing.
"Well, when I was about to break the record, I thought, 'Wow, I'm going to beat Federer at something'," said the experienced Lopez.
"It's only a number, but I'm really proud of my consistency. It's not about the number of Grand Slams played, it's about how many years I have been playing at the top level. This is the most important thing.
"I think the way I play maybe also; I don't play so many rallies.
"Also my technique, I play quite easy, so I don't make a huge effort in every single shot that I play. That's also important.
"I haven't suffered any big injuries in my career. This is the most important thing.
"And also mentally I have enough strength to be playing so many years."
Federer played at 65 successive slams from the 2000 Australian Open, until missing the French Open in 2016.
Lopez's reward for victory will be to face Juan Martin del Potro in the second round and the giant Argentinian hailed Lopez's longevity, then admitted few will want to take him on at Wimbledon.
"Well, it's amazing to get that record," said Del Potro. "I know how tough my match is going to be against him because he's a specialist on grass.
"I think nobody wants to play him, at least in the first couple of rounds of this tournament. But if I want to go far, I have to play my best tennis. It will be a good chance to see how my game is on grass."
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Our next tennis action comes from the German Open in Hamburg. Watch the action live on Sky Sports Arena from Monday, July 23 from 10am.
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