Novak Djokovic set to surpass incredible 25-year-old record
Novak Djokovic is set to overtake Steffi Graf’s record for most weeks as world No.1, after equalling her 25-year-old record.
Djokovic starts his 377th week as No.1 today, and therefore equals Graf’s record that she set back in March of 1997.
The Serb has held the most weeks as ATP number one since March 2021, when he overtook one of his great rivals Roger Federer.
Djokovic, who is a 22-time Grand Slam champion like Graf, first became No.1 in July 2011 and is now in his seventh reign.
He is guaranteed to surpass Graf’s reign and reach a record 378 weeks on top of the rankings, but faces tough competition from 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz surrendered the top spot after being unable to play the Australian Open due to injury, but could pull level on points with Djokovic if he retains his title in Rio de Janeiro this week.
However, as Djokovic has more points at Grand Slams, mandatory Masters 1000 events and the ATP Finals he will remain as the ATP No.1 for at least another week.
With Djokovic’s Indian Wells and Miami status still hanging in the balance, the Serb may have to hand the No.1 back to the Spaniard if he has success in the sunshine double again.
Top 5 players with most weeks as No.1
The men’s world rankings were introduced in 1973, while the women’s rankings were introduced two years later.
1. Novak Djokovic and Steffi Graf – 377 weeks
3. Martina Navratilova – 332 weeks
4. Serena Williams – 319 weeks
5. Roger Federer – 310 weeks
Top 5 players with most consecutive weeks as No.1
After first becoming world number one in 1987, Graf remained at the top of the rankings for 186 consecutive weeks, a WTA record that was later tied by Serena Williams in 2016.
1. Roger Federer – 237 weeks
2. Steffi Graf and Serena Williams – 186 weeks
4. Jimmy Connors – 160 weeks
5. Ivan Lendl – 157 weeks
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