Djokovic to become the oldest No. 1 in PIF ATP Rankings history

Records continue to topple at the hands of Novak Djokovic.

Beginning his 419th week today as World No. 1, the Serbian will by week’s end break Roger Federer’s record as the oldest No. 1 in PIF ATP Rankings history. Djokovic will surpass the Swiss on Sunday, when he will be 36 years and 321 days old.

One of the sporting world’s all-time greats, Djokovic has demonstrated near-unparalleled longevity at the top of his sport even into his fourth decade. Since he turned 30 on 22 May 2017, the Serbian has won 31 tour-level titles, including 12 of his 24 Grand Slams, 10 of his 40 ATP Masters 1000 crowns, and two of his seven Nitto ATP Finals trophies.

Djokovic’s renowned hard work and professionalism in every aspect of his preparation, training and recovery have ensured that he has remained one of the best athletes in the game deep into his mid-30s. To complement his obvious on-court brilliance, he has long practised yoga and meditation to help with his physical and mental well-being, while he also does all he can in terms of his diet to keep himself in good shape.

The Serbian has often spoken about how the emergence of younger rivals has pushed him to greater heights and his continued excellence has enabled him to consistently go toe-to-toe with new generations of ATP Tour stars.

Djokovic first became World No. 1 on 4 July 2011 at the age of 24. In contrast, both of Djokovic’s great ‘Big 3’ rivals, Federer and Rafael Nadal, reached No. 1 for the first time aged 22. Djokovic’s most recent rival for top spot, Carlos Alcaraz, became the youngest No. 1 in PIF ATP Rankings history in September 2022 at the age of 19.

Yet in the nearly 13 years since he first became World No. 1, Djokovic has spent a large percentage of his time atop tennis’ mountain. Monday signalled the start of his record-extending 419th week as World No. 1, meaning he is now 109 weeks clear of second-placed Federer (310 weeks).

In February 2023, Djokovic also surpassed Stefanie Graf’s tally of 377 weeks to claim the record for the most weeks by a men’s or women’s tennis player as World No. 1. By now becoming the oldest No. 1 in PIF ATP Rankings history, Djokovic has set another record that is well-placed to stand the test of time.

Credit: ATP Tour