Djokovic equals Federer’s record of weeks at No. 1

London, March 1

Novak Djokovic today equalled Roger Federer’s all-time record for most weeks at No. 1 in the ATP Tour rankings. The Serbian has now held the top spot for 310 weeks over five different stints. By winning his ninth Australian Open crown eight days ago, Djokovic guaranteed that he would surpass Federer’s weeks at No. 1 record on March 8.

Having reached another milestone in his illustrious career, Djokovic had said he would look to adjust his calendar and make overhauling Federer and Rafael Nadal’s joint record of 20 Grand Slam titles his top priority.

Fed’s return?

There are about 10 days to go before Federer returns to the court. Federer, who was last seen in action at the 2020 Australian Open semifinals, announced a few weeks ago that he would return to the ATP 250 in Doha.

Federer, who turns 40 this year, underwent a knee surgery in the middle of last year and there is speculation about his return.

Federer’s fitness trainer Pierre Paganini has admitted that retirement undoubtedly crossed the tennis icon’s mind during his injury lay-off, but says there are no plans to call time on his career just yet ahead of his comeback next month.

“Roger Federer only plays when he knows he can play well again. Now we all have to see how the body reacts. It is important to protect it,” Pierre Paganini said. “You have to have done a lot by now if you want to get back on the court. It really is not comparable to 2016. Already It’s a great victory if you can get back on the court, play and then say, ‘I’m fine, looking forward to the next game’. At the moment it is only clear that he plays in Doha, then we will see if Dubai.” — Agencies