Novak Djokovic's next goal - Grand Slams record

Serbian tennis great Novak Djokovic keen to win maximum Grand Slam titles after surpassing Swiss legend Roger Federer’s tally of 310 weeks as World No. 1

Novak Djokovic set a new landmark of 311 weeks as World No. 1 on Monday, one week longer than Roger Federer whose tally of a record 20 Grand Slam titles the Serb is now “devoted” to breaking. 

Djokovic, 33, won his 18th major at the Australian Open in February. With Federer turning 40 in August, the Serb has time on his side. He is a year younger than Rafael Nadal who also has 20 majors. “The two main goals in tennis are probably the number of Grand Slams won and the number of weeks spent at number one,” Djokovic told Serbian broadcaster RTS. 

“I am honoured to have achieved one of them, now I will devote myself to the second.” 

Djokovic reclaimed the top ranking from Nadal in February 2020 and finished as year-end No. 1 for the sixth time, tying the record set by Pete Sampras. “It really excites me to walk the path of legends and giants of this sport,” said Djokovic, in a statement released by the ATP whose rankings have been running since August 23, 1973.

‘Everything is possible’

“To know that I earned my place among them by following my childhood dream is a beautiful confirmation that when you do things out of love and passion, everything is possible.” 

ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said: “Novak’s many achievements in tennis are nothing short of extraordinary. Among them this record may stand as his single most impressive. 

“Reaching No. 1 is something many players dream of and very few ever accomplish, and to have held the top spot for longer than anyone is testament to the levels of sustained excellence that Novak has redefined in our sport.”

Federer out of Top 5 ranking

Federer, who returns to action in Doha this week after more than a year out of action to recover from two knee operations, slipped out of the top five on Monday to sixth. Djokovic made his Top 100 debut in July 2005. He was Top 50 in June 2006, Top 20 for the first time in October 2006 and Top 10 by March 2007. He first became world number one at the age of 24 on July 4, 2011, the day after winning Wimbledon for the first time.

Most Grand Slam titles

Men’s singles
. Rafael Nadal20
. Roger Federer 20
. Novak Djokovic 18

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