PARIS (France): Novak Djokovic set a new landmark of 311 weeks as world No.1 on Monday, one week longer than Roger Federer.
The 33-year-old won his 18th major at the Australian Open in February.
“It really excites me to walk the path of legends and giants of this sport,” said Djokovic, in a statement released by the ATP.
With Federer turning 40 in August, the Serb has time on his side. He is also a year younger than Rafael Nadal who also has 20 majors.
“To know that I earned my place among them by following my childhood dream is a beautiful confirmation that when you do things out of love and passion, everything is possible,” said Djokovic.
He has spent 88 weeks at number one, across two different stints.
Djokovic reclaimed the top ranking from Nadal in February 2020 and finished as year-end number one for the sixth time, tying the record set by Pete Sampras.
ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said: “Novak’s many achievements in tennis are nothing short of extraordinary. Among them this record may stand as his single most impressive.
“Reaching No. 1 is something many players dream of and very few ever accomplish, and to have held the top spot for longer than anyone is testament to the levels of sustained excellence that Novak has redefined in our sport.”
