(Reuters) – Novak Djokovic will realize one of his long-held goals today when he echoes Roger Federer’s all-time record for most weeks as the men’s world, holding the top position for the 311st week.
The 33-year-old Serbian climbed to the top of the ATP rankings for the first time in July, 2011 and had a Swiss maestro record of 310 weeks spent as the highest ranked man in the sport on his radar.
“This is one of my two biggest professional goals,” said Djokovic last year. “To reach a record, (a) exceed Roger’s record for longest No. 1 and win as many Grand (Slams) as possible.”
Djokovic is currently in his fifth stint as number one, having regained top spot from Spaniard Rafa Nadal in February last year.
The Serbian 2020 finished as number one end of the year for the sixth time, tying the record set by former American Pete Sampras, and won his 18th major title last month at the Australian Open.
His ninth win at Melbourne Park meant he was just two short of the men’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles, held jointly by Federer and Nadal.
Djokovic has made it clear that his only focus now will be to win more Grand Slams and said he will make necessary adjustments to his playing schedule to achieve that goal.
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“Whether I’m thinking of winning more slams and breaking records? Of course I do, ”the Serbian said after his Open victory in Australia.
“And most of my attention and energy from this day on, until I retire from tennis, is going to be directed at a grand, trying to win more big trophies.”
Federer, who will turn 40 in August, has not played since losing to Djokovic in the semi-finals of the 2020 Australian Open Championship and will return in Doha this week after having two knee surgeries last year.
The Swiss said he enjoyed competing against Djokovic and felt they were bringing the best out of each other.
“Against the best players you know you have to bring your best game. Otherwise it won’t be enough, ”Federer said during an Instagram Live session with Qatar Tennis on Saturday.
“Especially against someone like Novak, who can get in a way where he’s not going to fail. He can defend very well and be aggressive, he has very good balance. That’s why he’s one of the greatest players ever.
“It’s been a pleasure to play against and he’s one of the players that has made me a better player. It’s great to have him in the game. ”
While Djokovic has a solid grip on the spot, new number two on March 15 will be Russian Daniil Medvedev, who will climb one place to his best position of his career to replace Nadal, who has not played since the Australian Open Championship due to a back injury.
Medvedev, 25, an ATP Finals winner and Australian Open runner, will be the first player outside of Djokovic, Nadal, Federer and Andy Murray to be listed in the top two since Lleyton Hewitt of Australia in July, 2005.