Record Alert: Novak Djokovic surpasses Roger Federer’s record of 310 weeks at the top to claim the historic World number one ranking
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Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic, the Serbian world number one has finally ticked off one goal off his list after he surpassed Roger Federer’s record of most weeks at the top of the ATP Rankings. In the latest rankings update as of 8th March, Novak Djokovic starts his 311st week as world number one, overtaking Federer’s tally of 310 weeks. The Serbian has now claimed his long-sought after historic world number one ranking and can finally focus his attention towards other goals.
Novak Djokovic climbed to the world number one spot for the first time on July 4, 2011 after he won his first Wimbledon title. The Serbian machine revolutionized men’s tennis in 2011, by ending the dominance of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. It is safe to say that if it wasn’t for Novak, then Nadal and Federer would have atleast 25 majors each.
2011- The revolutionary year in tennis and start of Djokovic’s era
The 2010 season draw to a close, there was no surprise in store for tennis fans as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal continued to dominate men’s tennis. The Spaniard won three majors in 2010, whereas Roger Federer could only manage to win the Australian Open. However, one had to hardly look outside the two stars when coming to the topic of winning Grandslams.
But then, ‘Enter 2011 and Novak Djokovic.’ The Serbian took the entire tour by storm, by winning three slams in 2011 and having a record of 10-1 in his favor against both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, combined. Djokovic won 70 matches in the year, whilst losing just six of them. He ended the year as world number one, and was certainly the man to beat in the coming years.
Novak Djokovic’s run in 2011 was no fluke- It keeps getting better
Many believed that Novak Djokovic’s run of form in 2011 was a one-off and the domination of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer would continue. However, they were proved wrong as the Serbian machine went on to claim another 14 majors in his career uptil 2021. Djokovic has accumulated nine Australian Open titles, one French Open title, three US Open’s and five Wimbledon Championships.
He has won 18 majors in total and is just two slams behind his rivals, Nadal and Federer who have won 20 each. The Serbian has won the most number of Australian Open title on the men’s tour, his last being in 2021 after he defeated Daniil Medvedev in the finals. Djokovic has also ended on the world number position for six years, equaling Pete Sampras’ record.
What next for Novak Djokovic? An Olympic Dream, the GOAT race?
Novak Djokovic had previously stated that after claiming the historic world number one ranking, he would focus his entire attention to winning more Grandslams. The Serbian is engaged in the ‘GOAT Race’ with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, and the race to win most majors is wide open. With Roger Federer returning to action in Doha, it will be an exciting battle to watch.
Novak Djokovic was heartbroken after his defeat against Juan Martin del Potro at the Rio Olympics, 2016. The Serbian will probably have his last shot at an Olympic Singles Gold Medal at Tokyo 2021, given the fact that he turns 35 this year. He will aim to replicate his rival, Rafael Nadal and complete his Career Golden Slam, by winning a much-awaited Singles Gold at Tokyo.
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Nirmit Mehta
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