Roger Federer passes Jimmy Connors for all-time Grand Slam wins record

Roger Federer earned his 234th Grand Slam victory on Tuesday, surpassing Jimmy Connors for the all-time career mark in major wins. The 16-time Grand Slam champion defeated No. 92 Adrian Unger in the second round of the French Open, 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (6), 6-3.

Connors tweeted a premature and backhanded congratulations to Federer after the world No. 3 tied his record on Monday:

The 59-year-old couldn't help but remind his followers that he played in only two Australian Opens during his career and skipped the French Open for five years during his prime. What he fails to mention is that Federer accomplished his feat in five fewer Grand Slams and with eight more tournament victories.

On a list of Federer's accomplishments, "most Grand Slam matches won" will barely crack the top 10. It's a natural byproduct of more impressive success in such tournaments, sort of like saying that Jack Nicklaus led for more rounds in a major than any other golfer. Of course he did. That's what happens when you win the most or, in Connors case, play the longest. It's still a wonderful record, mind you; it just can't compare to the big one: Most majors won.