24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic continued to set records on the ATP Tour as he entered week 419 as world No. 1, extending his massive record. He will also become the oldest number 1 in the world ever next Sunday. The Serbian will surpass Roger Federer’s record as the oldest No. 1 in ATP rankings history on Sunday when he turns 36 years and 321 days old. One of the greatest players of all time, Djokovic has demonstrated almost unparalleled longevity at the height of his sport, even as he enters his fourth decade. Since turning 30 on May 22, 2017, the Serbian has won 31 tour-level titles, including 12 of his 24 Grand Slams, 10 of his 40 ATP Masters 1000 wins and two of his seven ATP Finals wins.
The Serbian’s renowned hard work and professionalism in all aspects of his preparation, training and recovery have kept him one of the best athletes in the sport well into his 30s. To complement his obvious skill on the field, he has long practiced yoga and meditation to improve his physical and mental health, and he also makes a point of eating healthy.
The Serbian has often discussed how the introduction of younger competition has pushed him to greater heights, and how his continued excellence has allowed him to compete with new generations of ATP Tour stars.
Djokovic initially reached world number 1 on July 4, 2011, at the age of 24. In contrast, both of Serbia’s main ‘Big 3’ competitors, Federer and Rafael Nadal, reached No. 1 for the first time at the age of 22. .
Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic’s most recent challenger for the top spot, became the youngest No. 1 in the history of the ATP Rankings in September 2022 at the age of 19.
Nevertheless, in the thirteen or so years since he initially became world No. 1, Djokovic has spent a significant amount of his time on the tennis mountain. Monday marked the start of his record-extending 419th week as world No. 1, putting him 109 weeks ahead of second-seeded Federer (310 weeks).
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