World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has eclipsed German tennis legend Stefanie Graf’s record for the most weeks spent atop the world rankings.
The 35-year-old has now spent 378 weeks at the top of the men’s rankings beating Graf’s record of 377 weeks.
Djokovic delivers again 😎
In a game full of greats, Novak has broken the record for most weeks at the top spot 🌟
He reaches an astounding 378 weeks at No.1, surpassing Steffi Graf… pic.twitter.com/OL20Vz7F4m
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 27, 2023
The Serbian 22-time Grand Slam winner has stayed at the top of the men’s rankings since March 2021.
“I’m flattered, proud and happy,” said Djokovic.
“Graf is one of the greatest, most legendary tennis players that ever played”.
378 🙌🙏💪🐺🎾🏔🦅❤️🇷🇸 Blessed and Grateful 🙏 pic.twitter.com/AK5UIfvv7g
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) February 27, 2023
Graf won 22 Grand Slam singles titles between 1987 and 1999. The German first rose to the top of the women’s rankings in 1987 and had remained there for 186 consecutive weeks – a women’s record that was eventually equaled by female tennis legend Serena Williams in 2016.
Djokovic returned to world number one for the first time in six months by emerging victorious at the Australian Open in January and led the rankings for the first time in July 2011.
He has sustained a best run of 122 consecutive weeks at the top, from July 2014 to November 2016.
For that record, he comes behind Roger Federer (237 weeks), Jimmy Connors (160) and Ivan Lendl (157). Also in 2021 he finished the year as world number one for a record seventh time.
The reigning Australian Open champion will be in action tomorrow at the Dubai Tennis Championships when he takes on Czech’s Tomas Mahac in the first round.
