Federer has the opportunity to become the oldest tennis player to claim the top spot as it was USA's Andre Agassi who currently holds the record as he achieved the feat at the age of 33.
Roger Federer will remain at No. 2 behind Rafael Nadal on the ATP tour after successfully defending his Australian Open title and capturing a 20th major with a victory over Marin Cilic on Sunday night.
At the age of 36 years, 173 days, Federer also becomes the second-oldest man to win a Grand Slam title in the Open era after Ken Rosewall, who won the 1972 Australian Open at 37.
Sharing a video of the Swiss tennis icon, Sachin was appeared awestruck by one of his shots during the final.
Federer now advances to face Marin Cilic in Sunday's final for a chance at his 20th Grand Slam title.
Cilic face the winner of the second semifinal on Friday between Federer and Hyeon Chung of South Korea.
The 36-year-old Federer also became the oldest man to reach the semifinals at Melbourne Park since Ken Rosewall did it in 1977 at the age of 42.
The 26-year-old American, who entered the season's opening major ranked 97th, missed a match point in the fourth set but held on for a 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-7 (7), 6-3 win over fifth-seed Thiem.
Tomas Berdych, who beat Fabio Fognini in straight sets earlier Monday, will be Federer's quarterfinal opponent.
Federer earned his 17th victory over Gasquet in the 19th encounter between the two players.
Federer, the defending champion, finished off a 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (4) win over Jan-Lennard Struff a half-hour before midnight.
Federer will next face Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the round of 32 on Saturday.
The 19-time major winner can afford to relax slightly longer, given the half of the draw that he shares with Djokovic doesn't start until day two of the Australian Open.
Despite a stellar 2017 season, which saw the 31-year-old claim the US Open and a record 10th French Open title, Nadal played down the significance of beginning the year with the No.1 ranking.
Djokovic is seeded 14th and will be coming off just a couple of exhibition matches to prepare for his first-round encounter against Donald Young at Australian Open.
Let's have a quick look over male tennis icons, who are expected to shine at Melbourne Park
Federer beat Nadal in a five-set final for his 18th Grand Slam title — and his first since 2012 — and later won Wimbledon.
Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who is making a comeback after a six-month layoff due to a tennis elbow injury, is ranked 14 in the first major of the season.
Top-ranked Nadal will start his campaign against Victor Estrella Burgos, has a potential fourth-round match against John Isner, and has No. 3-ranked Grigor Dimitrov in the same half of the draw, which was held on Thursday at Margaret Court Arena.
Switzerland last won the Hopman Cup in 2001 when Federer teamed with Martina Hingis.
Top News
Latest News
