LONDON, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer set a new record for the most weeks at No. 1 position in the ATP rankings, surpassing Pete Sampras' 286 weeks mark.

After winning Wimbledon a week ago, Federer returned to the top for the first time since June 2010 and his 287th week at No. 1.

The Swiss said that he's "extremely proud and honored to have beaten Pete's record as he was my childhood hero and I have always looked up to him."

"Great effort. The hardest thing to do in sports is the ability to stay on top. Roger has been able to do so by great play and durability," Sampras told www.atpworldtour.com.

Federer, 31, is guaranteed to keep the No. 1 spot through the London Olympics, extending the mark still further.