Novak Djokovic outpaces Rafael Nadal, sets a new benchmark

Novak Djokovic has dominated the ATP ranking list since 2011, achieving 428 no. 1 weeks and eight year-end no. 1 finishes. No one has come close to Djokovic’s numbers, and the Serb has many other ranking achievements. The latest came this week, as Novak notched his 597th week in the top-2, leaving his great rival Rafael Nadal on 596 and standing alone at the top.

Carlos Alcaraz could have kept two legends tight, as he would have passed Djokovic and entered the top-2 with the quarter-final in Cincinnati. However, the young Spaniard suffered an early loss and kept the Serb in the elite company, allowing him to achieve the record that will take some beating in the future.

At 37 years and three months, Djokovic is still among the world’s best competitors, standing as the second-oldest top-2 player after Ken Rosewall. Novak showed his full potential in 2007, lifting his first Masters 1000 trophies and playing in a Major final, becoming Roger Federer’s and Rafael Nadal’s closest rival.

The Serb had a couple of chances to split the legends and crack the top-2 in the upcoming years. However, he could not make that step in February 2010, adding his name to the list of top-2 players at 22.

Djokovic had three stints in the top-2 that year before finishing as the year-end no. 3 ahead of his brilliant run in 2011. Novak left all the opponents behind that year, settling in the top-2 in March and conquering the ATP throne in July after Wimbledon.

Djokovic kicked off his era, embracing 325 consecutive top-2 weeks and almost breaking Federer’s record. Novak accomplished incredible things during those years before an elbow injury halted his progress. Djokovic could not challenge the rivals from the top in the next 12 months, dropping out from the top-20 before embracing his comeback in the spring of 2018.

Novak conquered Wimbledon and the US Open in the upcoming months, returning where he belonged and setting his eyes on the ATP throne.

Novak Djokovic is the first player with 597 top-2 weeks.

Djokovic returned to top-2 in October and added 169 weeks to his tally until June 2022, moving closer to Nadal’s record.

Novak missed two Majors that year and returned stronger in 2023, embracing one of his finest years and lifting three Major titles from four finals! Djokovic wrapped up the year at the top for the eighth time since 2011, keeping much younger opponents behind.

Novak spent almost an entire season in the top-2, looking good to catch Rafa’s tally in 2024. Djokovic achieved that despite not playing at his best in the opening five months of the season. Novak lost the Australian Open crown to Jannik Sinner, losing to the Italian in the semi-final after failing to create a break point!

Jannik controlled the pace and grabbed five breaks, ousting the legend in four sets and delivering Novak’s first loss in Melbourne after passing the quarter-final stage. The Serb lost to Luca Nardi in Indian Wells and collected the Monte Carlo semi-final, falling to Casper Ruud.

Djokovic did not play better in Rome and Geneva, suffering defeats to the lower-ranked opponents and not looking good ahead of Roland Garros. The veteran felt the pain in his right knee, passing two five-setter marathons against Lorenzo Musetti and Francisco Cerundolo before withdrawing ahead of the quarter-final.

Novak reacted promptly and underwent surgery on June 5, battling against time ahead of Wimbledon. Djokovic hit the gym a week later and appeared in London, hoping for a good draw in the opening rounds. Novak passed two challenging rivals en route to the last 16, avoiding five-setters and giving his knee a chance to recover further.

Djokovic played better against Holger Rune, beating him in straight sets and receiving a walkover from Alex de Minaur, taking more days off the court ahead of the semi-final. Novak defeated Lorenzo Musetti in three tight sets, moving into another Wimbledon final.

Djokovic faced Carlos Alcaraz in the title clash for the second straight year.

The young gun ousted the veteran 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 in two hours and 27 minutes, defending the trophy and keeping Djokovic with the runner-up prize.

Given the circumstances, Novak drew positive signs from his campaign, turning his focus on the Olympic Games, the last missing trophy in his collection. The Serb made a convincing start against Matthew Ebden, losing one game and sealing the deal in 53 minutes.

Djokovic battled against Rafael Nadal for the 60th time in the second round, delivering a 6-1, 6-4 victory and moving through. Novak defeated Dominik Koepfer 7-5, 6-3 in the third round, breaking the German three times and booking a place in the quarter-final.

Djokovic ousted Stefanos Tsitsipas after a 6-3, 7-6 win, feeling the pain in his knee in the second set and trailing 5-2. Stefanos wasted three set points on his serve, and Novak performed a comeback, moving over the top in straight sets and resting his knee.

Djokovic chased his first victory in the Olympic Games semi-finals against Lorenzo Musetti. The Serb beat the Italian 6-4, 6-2, delivering five straight breaks from the closing stages of the opening set and arranging the title clash against Carlos Alcaraz.

Novak prevailed 7-6, 7-6 in two hours and 50 minutes, earning the missing title and accomplishing all 15 notable trophies as the first player in history. They defended all 14 break points and stayed neck and neck from start to finish.

Novak took charge in both tie breaks, sealing the deal in straight sets and securing the most desired title of his career. Djokovic skipped Montreal and Cincinnati and will enter the US Open, seeking his 25th Major title