Tennis fans have poured out their love for Novak Djokovic, who started a record-equalling 377th week as World No. 1 on Monday (February 20).
The 35-year-old already holds the record for most weeks at No. 1 by a male player. She has now been on the same level as WTA legend Steffi Graf for most weeks by any player, male or female, at the top of the sport.
Djokovic began his 374th week at No. 1 after winning a record 22 Grand Slam singles titles at the Australian Open last month. The Serb is now set to own the all-time record of any player at No. 1.
One fan praised the 35-year-old’s landmark achievement by tweeting:
“When Djokovic broke Federer’s weeks record at number 1, the media never gave him credit for it. Instead, they moved the goal post by comparing it to the WTA. Every time they put a new challenge in Djokovic’s way , he responds by doing something more impressive. 377 and counting.”
When Djokovic broke Federer’s record for weeks at number 1, the media never gave him credit for it. Instead, they moved the goal post by comparing it to the WTA. Every time a new challenge is thrown Djokovic’s way, he responds by doing something even more impressive. 377 and counting. https://t.co/dSatXKV6uH
Another praised the Serb for standing tall in the era of ‘strong’ players like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka and Juan Martin Del Potro:
“He has done it in the era of Federer, Nadal, Murray, Wawrinka, Del Potro and many other strong players. He basically spent 7+ years at no.1 while competing against the likes of Federer, Nadal, etc… That should taken into account, it adds much more value to his record”.
Here are some of the other reactions:
good.@ozmo_sasa As Nole said in his Serbian press conference after the AO final, talking about slams is fine, but being number 1 for a long time should not be underestimated. He is 💯 right. I wish he would point it out even at the English press conference. Press conference link: youtu.be/0dy3n5aCNg0
@ozmo_sasa The greatest record that should be praised by all tennis fans. We are before history! 👏👏
@ozmo_sasa And from now on we must always say that the second best number 1 in the world is not Federer. The second best is Steffi Graf 😅
Another criticized the ATP for freezing the rankings when the tour was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020:
“And if the corrupt ATP didn’t freeze the points during Covid and forcefully oust him from the No. 1 spot last year, he would have had over 400 weeks by now.”
The 22-time Major winner has a perfect 12-0 record this year, having also won the Adelaide International 1 last month.
“I think he will win a few more Grand Slams” – Bjorn Borg on Novak Djokovic
Despite enduring an injury-plagued buildup, the uber Serb dropped a set en route to his tenth win at Melbourne Park.
Tennis legend Bjorn Borg has praised the 35-year-old for his insatiable appetite for success, suggesting he win a few more Grand Slams. The Swede said:
“Djokovic is fit and eager to play. He has three to five more years of very good tennis. He wants to break all the records and set new records. I think he will win a few more Grand Slams. I wish him the best. I have never seen a player to spend so much time on a tennis court. He’s one of the greats. He spends so much time on his game. It’s unbelievable.”
The world No. 1 is expected to be in action at the Dubai Tennis Championships, which begins on February 27.