Novak Djokovic scales yet another peak, equals Steffi Graf’s all-time record for most weeks at no. 1
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic unlocks yet another milestone in his illustrious career.
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Novak Djokovic, Steffi Graf
Serbian tennis icon Novak Djokovic has added another feather to his illustrious career. After ascending to the top of the rankings for the first time in 2011, the 35-year-old has completed a record 377 weeks as the World No. 1. With this achievement, he has now equaled the all-time record of German legend Steffi Graf.
Most recently, Djokovic returned to the top after his record 10th title triumph in the Australian Open 2023. The 22-time Grand Slam champion defeated Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final which propelled him to the top. The latest milestone also serves as a slap in the face of his critics.
The Belgrade resident is looking set to extend his reign in the rankings as the season progresses. His Spanish rival Rafael Nadal is sitting out due to the injury he suffered last month. And equations for the next couple of months suggest his place is relatively secure. Thus after equaling Graf’s record, there is visibly no threat for him to carry on and add more weeks to his all-time tally.
Related: Novak Djokovic spotted partying and singing Karaoke with ex-Premier League star in Belgrade
Djokovic’s dominance in the ranking table over the years
Novak Djokovic turned pro in 2003. Soon after, he disrupted Roger Federer‘s and Rafael Nadal‘s streak of 11 consecutive Grand Slam tournament victories by winning the 2008 Australian Open. 2011 was the greatest season yet for the Serb where he won ten tournaments including three Grand Slam tournaments at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
Djokovic ended the season with a 70–6 record and a year-end ranking of No. 1. Following years saw a close race among the ‘Big Three’ to finish the season as the World No. 1. The Year 2015 was most successful for the Serb as he accumulated 11 titles including a season-record 10 Big Titles on all court surfaces. In the same year, he set a season record for most ranking points (16,585) accumulated as world No. 1.
The next couple of years were not as dominant when compared to his standards. In 2017, Djokovic suffered an elbow injury. He dropped out of the top-3 during this phase before returning to the top once again in October 2018. In the 2020s Djokovic continued his grip, as well as his greatest rivals on the Tour, struggled.
Other than 377 weeks as the World No. 1, Djokovic has the record for the most year-end No. 1 rankings, achieving the feat for seven years. Due to his dominance on all types of surfaces, Djokovic has been described as the ‘most complete player ever’ by many. In the current season also there are no signs of stopping for Djokovic.
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Abhinavendu Singh
(290 Articles Published)