Novak Djokovic backed to spend 'over 400 weeks as world no. 1'
ATPMonday, 27 February 2023 at 18:00
Updated at Wednesday, 08 January 2025 at 19:48
Novak Djokovic made history when he surpassed Steffi Graf in the number of weeks spent as World No. 1 in the rankings, and he can extend the record much further.
The 35-year-old Serbian is the first person in the history of tennis, not just on the ATP Tour, to rule the rankings for 378 weeks, and his dominance may continue even beyond that mark.
Former WTA World No. 7 Barbara Schett predicted in a conversation with Eurosport that the Serbian player could stay atop the rankings for much longer. Speaking about his achievement, she said:
"Novak Djokovic being the world No. 1 for 378 weeks is seven years, which is unbelievable. He has surpassed Steffi Graf, who for me was always an idol and a role model. I had so much respect for her because I played against her and I played in that era. I never thought that somebody would break her record. Now that has happened with Novak, which is phenomenal."
The most impressive fact about Djokovic's current stay atop the ATP Rankings is that he didn't receive any points for his last year's Wimbledon triumph, and he couldn't compete at the ATP Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells, Miami, and Cincinnati, as well as the US Open.
"When he won the Australian Open at the beginning of the year and he became the No. 1 in the world again, I was thinking 'how is that possible?' Last year, two out of the four Grand Slams he was not able to play, then the one he won at Wimbledon he did not get any points."
"So pretty much without playing in three Grand Slams, he became world No. 1 again. I think that says a lot about Novak Djokovic and tells you how good he is."
Next week, Djokovic will very likely start already his 379th week as World No. 1, as his biggest rival for the top spot, Carlos Alcaraz is dealing with an injury and may not be able to overtake the Serbian.
"I don't see this being the end to him being the world No. 1 as I think he will get over 400 weeks. He is still the one to beat at the moment and is the most consistent player out there. He has really, really deserved this. It is phenomenal what he has achieved, and he rightfully has the record."
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