Djokovic equals Graf’s record for weeks spent as world number one

Wednesday, 22 February 2023 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Novak Djokovic

PARIS, AFP: Tennis legend Novak Djokovic is a week away from another milestone after equalling Steffi Graf's all-time record for most weeks spent at number one of 377.

The 35-year-old Serbian remains top of the latest ATP rankings released on Monday bringing him level with the amount of weeks that Graf spent as women's world number one.

Djokovic returned to number one spot for a seventh time after his victory in the Australian Open at the end of January which was a record equalling 22nd Grand Slam singles title.

Two former world number ones enjoyed success at the weekend ─ Daniil Medvedev claiming the Rotterdam title and Carlos Alcaraz making a winning return to the circuit in Argentina.

Medvedev's three set victory ─ his 16th career title ─ over Italian Jannik Sinner sees him return to the top 10 ─ he rises three spots to eighth.

The losing finalist's consolation is a climb of two places to 12th in the rankings.

Alcaraz's successful return to the tour, after almost four months out, in landing the Argentina Open on Sunday sees him solidify his second place in the rankings.

Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas ─ whom Djokovic beat in the Australian Open final ─ rounds off the top three.