By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, February 20, 2022

Novak Djokovic will realize double celebration next week: His 2022 debut in Dubai and his record-extending 361st week as world No. 1.

While relishing his position at the sport's summit in the desert, Djokovic said it's inevitable Daniil Medvedev will surpass him and seize the world No. 1 ranking. When that happens, the 20-time Grand Slam champion said he will be the first to congratulate the man who denied his Grand Slam dream with a straight-sets US Open final victory last September.

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"I am not aware of all the different scenarios, but the only scenario that I have in my head is to win every match that I play here," Djokovic told the media in Dubai. "I know if I win the tournament, I guess will I be able to stay No. 1?"

Actually, if the second-ranked Medvedev wins the Acapulco title next week he will succeed Djokovic at the top and become the first Russian man since Hall of Famer Marat Safin in April of 2001 to hold world No. 1.