Novak Djokovic celebrates his 350th week at world number 1 | ATP circuit
Novak Djokovic celebrates his 350th week atop the FedEx ATP rankings today, extending his record for most weeks in first place.
It was a historic season for the Serbian star, who finished No.1 at the end of the year for the seventh time, a record, edging out his idol, Pete Sampras (6). On March 8, he broke the tie with Roger Federer (310 weeks) for the most weeks at world No. 1 since the creation of the FedEx ATP rankings in 1973. Djokovic has not looked back since.
“It really excites me to follow the path of the legends and giants of this sport,” Djokovic said at the time. “Knowing that I have earned my place among them by following my childhood dream is a nice confirmation that when you do things out of love and passion, anything is possible.”
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Djokovic finished 2021 with a 55-7 record, winning major titles at the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon, while lifting trophies at the Belgrade Open and the Rolex Paris Masters. His current rise to world No.1 began almost two years ago, on February 3, 2020.
The 34-year-old will have a chance to make more history next year. Djokovic can surpass WTA legend Stefanie Graf’s record for most weeks at world No.1 in men’s or women’s tennis. The German held the top spot for 377 weeks.