By Richard Pagliaro | Monday, February 27, 2023
Novak Djokovic grew up on a mountain. Today, he scales tennis' top summit.
The 35-year-old Serbian celebrates his record 378th week as world No. 1 this week—the longest reign in the top spot of any player in tennis history. Djokovic takes sole possession of the world No. 1 record he shared with Steff Graf, who occupied the top spot for 377 weeks.
More: Novak Motivated and Pain-Free in Dubai
"I’ve managed to achieve many fantastic achievements throughout my career," Djokovic said, calling Graf, the only champion in history to achieve the Golden Grand Slam, "one of the greatest, most legendary tennis players both men and women that ever played."
“I’m flattered, obviously extremely, extremely proud and happy for this achievement," Djokovic said.
The reigning Australian Open and Wimbledon winner is already well ahead of Roger Federer (310 weeks), Pete Sampras (286 weeks) and Ivan Lendl (270 weeks) for most week's as men's world No. 1.
Standing as the sport's supreme world No. 1 proved poignant for Djokovic, who was honored for his crowning achievement after his 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(1) win over Tomas Machac in his Dubai opener.
"It is very special; as a young boy growing up in Serbia I dreamt of two things: Winning Wimbledon and being No. 1 in the world," Djokovic said. I've been blessed to achieve both of my childhood dreams several times. I guess when that happened I had to set new goals, new ambitions.
"What can I say? I'm extremely grateful that I'm still able to play at this level after that many years. Obviously, it's a team effort, it's a family effort regardless the fact this is an individual sport by myself a lot of hours that go into preparing me to be able to perform on such a high level and also being able to endure this many years. I'm flattered and thrilled to be among the biggest names that this sport has ever had in history Steffi Graf being one. So it's great. I'm very proud."
The top seed at this week's Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Djokovic says sustained success does not diminish his desire to continue racking up tournament titles as he aims to maximize each moment.
“Everywhere I go, I want to win," Djokovic told the media in Dubai. "Every trophy I get to win now maybe values three or four times as much as some trophies I won 10 years ago, because I know that it's different.
"I don't know how much time I have left; how many more years I'm going to play. I try to really get the most out of the present moment in every tournament that I play.”
Head, Djokovic's long-time racquet sponsor, honored his crowning No. 1 achievement with this video tribute.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion also holds the ATP record for most year-end No. 1 finishes, a feat he's attained seven times.
Photo credit: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships