Novak Djokovic is equal to Roger Federer’s record for most weeks at world 1

Novak Djokovic’s bid to become a men’s tennis GOAT took another step forward Monday.

The 33-year-old Serb equated to Federer’s full-time record for most weeks at No. 1 in the FedEx

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ATP Rankings. Djokovic, just off his ninth Australian Open title and last month’s 18th Grand Slam crown, in Melbourne, has now held the top spot for 310 weeks over five different series.

Djokovic’s longest climb at No. 1 is 122 weeks, and Federer’s is 237.

Pete Sampras was in the world No. 1 for 286 full weeks, Ivan Lendl for 270 and Jimmy Connors 268.

Djokovic, who is 34 years old, rose to No. 1 first when he was 24 on July 4, 2011, and spent 122 consecutive best weeks at the top of FedEx ATP Rankings between July 7, 2014 and November 6. , 2016.

Djokovic has compiled a 387-53 loss record as World No. 1, including a 117-30 mark against Top 10 opponents and a 39-13 record in the final round of tour finals.

Djokovic has set his sights on tying and surpassing the 20-time Men’s Grand Slam mark, now shared by Federer and Nadal.

Federer, 39, will return to the tour next week at Doha after more than a year off after two knee surgeries.

Nadal, 34, is the favorite to win her 14th French Open title and 21st Grand Slam crown later this spring.

“Good players can beat them,” said former world champion David Nalbandian, who recently won over Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. “It’s not an impossible task. Sometimes it’s good for new players to start believing in themselves. They’re amazing players, but they’re not superheroes. The new generation must begin to believe in themselves.

“Most of the players think they are waiting for the Big Three to retire. I mean, I was already waiting for my time and they are still around! Let’s stop waiting and hit them. ”