Federer adds another record to his collection

LONDON, Feb 26 (Reuters) He lists his favourite pastimes as sitting on the beach and playing cards but anyone who is acquainted with Roger Federer knows what his real hobby is -- collecting records.

Tennis records that is.

Ever since Federer etched his name into Wimbledon's roll of honour in 2003 by becoming the first Swiss man to win a grand slam singles crown, he has been hoarding records in the way other people collect stamps.

While Federer's mantelpiece back home in Oberwil, Switzerland, must be creaking under the weight of his stockpile of 46 trophies, historians have scrambled to keep pace with his never-ending list of achievements.

With the year not even two months old, Federer has already accomplished numerous milestones in 2007.

In January's Australian Open he became the first man since tennis turned professional in 1968 to reach 11 successive grand slam semi-finals.

By marching into his seventh successive major final, he equalled the feat of Australian Jack Crawford set in 1934.

After capturing his 10th grand slam title in Melbourne in just 3-{ years, he became the first man in the professional era to win three consecutive majors twice in his career.

The Swiss maestro set another record on Monday when he began an unprecedented 161st consecutive week on top of the men's rankings to eclipse Jimmy Connors's 30-year-old mark.

Since Federer enjoys a more-than-3,000 points advantage over his nearest rival, Spain's Rafael Nadal, chances are that the streak which started on Feb. 2 2004 could go on for years to come.

''I've been looking forward to this day to come and I'm very excited,'' Federer said in Dubai, where he returns to action following a four-week break.

''This record is definitely something that is going to stay for quite some time, so it's a nice record to have and it will be very hard to beat I feel.'' More Reuters PM RN0918