Novak Djokovic has won 16 Grand Slam titles since turning pro in 2003. His most recent Grand Slam title was at this year’s Wimbledon. He defeated Roger Federer in a thrilling final to win his fifth Wimbledon title. Currently number one on the ATP rankings, the 32-year-old tennis player will be aiming to win more Grand Slam titles as he chases Nadal and Federer who have won 19 and 20 Grand Slam titles respectively.
Fourth all time
Djokovic has been ranked number one four times in his career. He started his fourth reign on 5th November 2018 and is still going strong as he chases the record for the most weeks spent at number one. This week, the Serbian started his 269th week at number one and in the process replaced former American tennis player Jimmy Connors in fourth place. Jimmy Connors record was 268 weeks.
Federer’s record and the GOAT debate
Now fourth on the list of most weeks spent at number one, Djokovic could soon overtake third-placed Ivan Lendl on the list. Ivan’s record of 270 weeks is within reach and will be overtaken within the next 2 weeks. That will leave only two players having spent more cumulative weeks at number one than Djokovic. American Pete Sampras spent a total of 286 weeks as world number one while the all-time record is currently held by Roger Federer with a total of 310 weeks as world number one. The 38-year-old Swiss is currently ranked number 3 and holds the record for the oldest player to be number one when he was ranked number one in 2016 at 36 years of age.
There is a general belief that the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) is the player that will end the career with most slams. However, being the player that was at the top of the rankings for most weeks adds a special flavor to the “GOAT DEBATE.”
Injury comeback
Currently out injured after retiring from a match at the US Open, fans were left disappointed to see the 32-year-old retire during his match and he also expressed his disappointment. “Unfortunately, the injury was of a more serious nature. It prevented me from continuing the tournament in New York. I’m very sorry.” He has, however, expressed optimism he could play at the Japanese Open. Djokovic said, “I would like to tell you when I will be back, but I really do not know exactly. I monitor the results of rehabilitation every day. I monitor how the shoulder responds to recovery. I hope to be on the court in a week or two. For now, in an ideal scenario, the plan is to play Tokyo.”
Novak Djokovic’s ranking and performance in 2019
Now ranked no.1, the Serbian played his last match on the 1st of September when he lost to Stan Wawrinka 6-4 7-5 2-1 ret. in the 4th round in U.S. Open.
This year Djokovic has a 41-8 win-loss record. Djokovic conquered 3 titles in 2019 at the Australian Open, in Madrid and in Wimbledon. Djokovic was the finalist in Rome.
Novak Djokovic |
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