Novak Djokovic will Pass Roger Federer and Break the ATP Record for Weeks at No.1 on March 8

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday February 17, 2021

It’s official: Novak Djokovic will break Roger Federer’s record for most weeks at the ATP’s No.1-ranked player on March 8th. The Serb, who is still in contention for his 18th major singles and ninth Australian Open title this weekend in Melbourne, has locked up the top ranking from now until then as a result of Rafael Nadal’s five-set loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas on Wednesday night in Melbourne.

Federer, the previous holder of the record, logged 310 weeks at No.1.

Weeks at No.1, all-time, on March 8:

Djokovic, 311

Federer, 310

Sampras, 286

Lendl, 270

Connors, 268

Djokovic still has some work to do if he intends to surpass the three women that have more weeks at No.1 logged. Serena Williams (319), Martina Navratilova (332) and Steffi Graf (377) all have more than the Serb at the moment.

World No. 6 @StefTsitsipas rallies from 2 sets down to defeat No. 2 Rafael Nadal and set #AusOpen SF vs. @DaniilMedwed on Friday.

With Nadal’s loss, @DjokerNole will celebrate his 311th week as World No. 1 on 8 March, passing Roger Federer for the all-time record.

— ATP Media Info (@ATPMediaInfo) February 17, 2021

Djokovic first topped the ATP rankings on July 4, 2011. It’s not the only big ranking milestone Djokovic is chasing. Last year he tied Pete Sampras by earning his sixth year-end No.1 ranking, and this year he’ll try to pass the American legend by achieving the feat a seventh time.

For now, Djokovic will dial in his focus on winning the title in Melbourne. The Serb will face either Daniil Medvedev or Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Australian Open final.