Novak Djokovic is making more and more history in tennis. Since this Monday, the Serbian star has been at the top of the ATP ranking for 377 weeks, equaling the last athlete who could look down on him, Steffi Graf, a timeless champion, capable of collecting no less than 22 Grand Slams.
in her career (behind only Margaret Court and Serena Williams). Space numbers for “Nole”, who just under a month ago won his 10th Australian Open title (22nd overall, just like the German icon). Djokovic had long since distanced himself from his two arch-rivals, who compete with him for the GOAT award.
Roger Federer, who retired from competition in September, ended his career with 310 weeks at the top of the ranking. Rafael Nadal, for his part, was further behind, with 209. Even if Carlos Alcaraz lifted the trophy in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, the 500th tournament in which he is participating this week, he would equal the man in Belgrade with 6,980 points, regaining the lead as a couple.
This would continue to be enough for Djokovic to hold the title of tennis player with the most weeks at the top of the world ranking in history. A crazy record that will give even more luster to the incredible career he is carrying out.
However, the number one is not satisfied and next week he will most likely participate in the Dubai 500 tournament, in which he is duly registered. The thigh hamstring injury, which has plagued him during his run at the Australian Open, appears to have finally come to an end.
Zverev comments on Djokovic
With Novak Djokovic set to break Steffi Graf’s record for most weeks spent as the World No. 1 next week, Alexander Zverev has mixed feelings. “He’s surpassing Steffi, so as a German, obviously I always loved her having that record, but credits to Novak.
I think that shows how great he is,” Alexander Zverev said. “I’m sure that he’s going to break a few more records, to be honest. I’m not sure there are many left, but the ones that are left, maybe he will. I think over the last 10, 12 years he has absolutely dominated tennis.
There is a reason why he’s been consistently at the top of the game,” Zverev said. “That shows us with this record, from male or female tennis players, he’s going to be the most weeks at No. 1.”
