On This Day: Djokovic passes Graf for record weeks at No. 1 in 2023

Novak Djokovic is unrivalled when it comes to standing at the top of the rankings for an extended period of time.

During the month of March 2021, the Serbian completed his 311th week at the top of the PIF ATP Rankings, which allowed him to beat Roger Federer in terms of the number of weeks he has spent at the top of the rankings. Two years ago today, on February 27, 2023, Djokovic surpassed Stefanie Graf to become the owner of that record across both the men’s and women’s games. He did this by surpassing her with his 378th week on top of the mountain of tennis.

“Surpassing one of the greatest, most legendary tennis players — both men and women — that ever played, Steffi Graf… I’m flattered, obviously extremely, extremely proud and happy for this achievement,” Djokovic stated at the time in a video that was distributed to the attention of his supporters. When Djokovic was 24 years old, he became the number one player in the world for the first time in July of 2011. Between July 2014 and November 2016, he remained at the top of the PIF ATP Rankings for a record-breaking 122 consecutive weeks. Djokovic’s most recent tenure at the top spot came to an end in June 2024, when Jannik Sinner made his debut at the top slot. Djokovic had previously held the position for a record eight times at the end of the year. Over the course of his career, the Serbian has held the top spot ten times.

Djokovic is one of just five players who have spent more than 300 weeks at the top of the PIF ATP Rankings. He now holds the top spot for a total of 428 weeks. In addition to Graf (377 weeks), Martina Navratilova (332), Serena Williams (319), and Roger Federer (310), he is the most prominent player on a list that also includes Federer.

The most recent time that Djokovic was at the top of the rankings was for 39 weeks, beginning in September 2023 and ending in June 2024. During that time, he won his record seventh Nitto ATP Finals title.