Novak Djokovic breaks record for oldest ATP world No 1

The Serb is now the outright oldest men’s world No 1 ever, surpassing Roger Federer’s previous milestone held back in 2018

Novak Djokovic at the 2024 Australian Open

Jamie Malachy

April 7, 2024

Another day, another world record for Novak Djokovic, it seems.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion has now officially become the oldest world No 1 in ATP rankings history.

The previous record was set by Roger Federer at 36 years and 320 days old, back in 2018 when the Swiss maestro was enjoying his last great era of excellence. Djokovic currently occupies the No 1 spot, and has just turned 36 years and 321 days old, meaning yet another ranking record now belongs to him.

Djokovic also holds the outright record across both the ATP and the WTA, as the title for women’s oldest world No 1 belongs to Serena Williams when she held the position at 35 years and 230 days back in 2017.

The Serb first reached the summit of the men’s rankings during his extraordinary breakthrough year in 2011, at the age of 24. Over twelve years later, and Djokovic – now the men’s record Grand Slam title holder – still occupies the position at the ripe old age of 36.

Djokovic already held the record for most weeks at No 1 in ATP rankings history, and has a scarcely believable 200 more weeks in the top spot than any other active player on tour.

The world No 1 heads into the start of the European clay-court stretch this week with his top ranking position under considerable threat from Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

Regardless of how the No 1 ranking spot does or doesn’t change hands over the course of the next couple of months, however, this is yet another remarkable record that Djokovic can expect to hold on to for some time yet.

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