Novak Djokovic has broken the next record. The tennis superstar is now the oldest number one in ATP history, surpassing an old rival.
The time has come since Sunday: Novak Djokovic can call himself the oldest number one since the ATP rankings were founded (since 1973, editor’s note). At 36 years and 321 days, the Serb surpassed his old rival Roger Federer, who set the record in 2018.
Djokovic took the lead in the tennis world rankings for the first time on July 4, 2011. No other player was at the top longer during his or her career than “Djoker”.
The 36-year-old continues to lead the ATP rankings in the new week ahead of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. A changing of the guard is therefore still not in sight.
Tennis: Novak Djokovic changes coach
Djokovic holds many other records in tennis, including the most Grand Slam wins. To date, the right-hander has triumphed 24 times in the four most important tournaments of the season. The veteran can next improve this value further at the French Open (May 20th to June 9th).
Djokovic will then start with a new coach. The 36-year-old recently announced his separation from successful coach Goran Ivanisevic. The 2001 Wimbledon champion had looked after the Serbian since 2018. Djokovic celebrated 12 of his 24 Grand Slam titles to date under the direction of the Croatian.
His successor is Nenad Zimonjic. “He has always been like an older brother to me, a mentor, a friend. Just someone who always tries to help me,” said Djokovic on “Eurosport” about his new coach. Zimonjic celebrated great success in doubles and mixed doubles during his active tennis career. The Serb is already looking after Djokovic at the Monte Carlo Masters (until April 14th).