Route 66: Lopez breaks Federer record for consecutive Slam appearances

Route 66: Lopez breaks Federer record for consecutive Slam appearances
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Summary Lopez has not missed a Slam since making his debut at the 2002 French Open.

LONDON (AFP) - Spain s Feliciano Lopez set a new record for consecutive Grand Slam appearances on Tuesday when he started his 66th major in a row at Wimbledon.

The 36-year-old left-handed Spaniard had equalled the mark set by Roger Federer at Roland Garros.

On Tuesday, the 70th-ranked Lopez grabbed the record when he went on court to face Federico Delbonis of Argentina at the All England Club.

Lopez has not missed a Slam since making his debut at the 2002 French Open.

His best runs at the majors have all come at Wimbledon with three quarter-final runs in 2005, 2008 and 2011.

He also made the last eight at the US Open in 2015.

"I m happy for him. I had a good run," said Federer.

"But it s nice that more and more players are able to keep themselves in shape.

"Especially I think as Feliciano and me, we go way back to the Junior European Championships under-16 here in Hatfield, all the way to today, that we can talk about breaking each other s records, him breaking mine.

"It s a great thing. It s a testament for both of us to keep oneself in shape, loving the sport."

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