Novak Djokovic Breaks Record for Weeks With No. 1 World Ranking
Novak Djokovic broke the career tennis record for the most weeks holding the world No. 1 ranking on Monday when he earned the top spot for the 378th time.
With the ranking, Djokovic breaks 22-time Grand Slam champion Steffi Graf’s record of 377 weeks at No. 1. She last held the top spot on March 24, 1997.
Djokovic posted a message to fans shortly after he made history.
“Of course with your love and great strength that you have given me over the years, I’ve managed to achieve many fantastic achievements throughout my career,” Djokovic said in a video posted by the ATP Tour. “The most recent one [is] breaking the record [with] 378 weeks on No. 1 [in the] rankings, surpassing one of the greatest, most legendary tennis players—both men and women—that ever played, Steffi Graf. So I’m flattered, obviously extremely, extremely proud and happy for this achievement.”
The Serbian likely will add to his record for the foreseeable future, as he has shown no sign of slowing down recently. Just this year, Djokovic has won both tournaments in which he’s competed: the Australian Open and the Adelaide tournament prior to the year’s first Grand Slam.
To celebrate this historic feat, Djokovic was gifted a cake bearing the number “378.”
Djokovic could break more records this year as he chases the men’s record for career Grand Slam singles titles. He currently is tied with Rafael Nadal with 22 titles.
