The ATP World Tour is the pinnacle of men’s professional tennis. One of the most coveted achievements in tennis is to become the world’s number-one player, a position that is determined by the ATP rankings.
While many players have reached this status at some point in their careers, only a select few have been able to maintain their positions for an extended period.
Top ten players with the most weeks as world number 1 in ATP history
Novak Djokovic – 428 weeks
On February 27, 2023, Novak Djokovic broke the record of players with most weeks as world Number 1 in rankings by a man or woman. With his 428 weeks in the ATP’s top spot, Djokovic has consistently performed on the tour for over a decade. He has won 24 Grand Slam titles and looking to add more to his tally.
Djokovic’s game is built around his incredible physical fitness and mental toughness, and his ability to win matches from seemingly impossible situations is what sets him apart from his peers. Nole finished year-end as world number 1 for a record eight times. Djokovic also completed his career Golden Slam with a Gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Roger Federer – 310 weeks
Roger Federer, the Swiss maestro. He has held the position for a total of 310 weeks, Federer’s dominance in the sport during his prime years is unparalleled, and he has won 20 Grand Slam titles. Federer’s achievements in the sport are remarkable, and his ability to adapt and stay at the top of his game for such a long period is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and has inspired a generation of players with his elegance and grace on the court.
Pete Sampras – 286 weeks
Pete Sampras, the American legend, held the number-one spot for a total of 286 weeks. Sampras won 14 Grand Slam titles during his career and dominated the sport during the 1990s. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest grass-court players of all time and his serve-and-volley style of play was a joy to watch.
He was a dominant force in the sport during his prime years and his rivalry with Andre Agassi produced some of the most memorable matches in tennis history.
Ivan Lendl – 270 weeks
Ivan Lendl, the Czech-American great, held the number-one spot for a total of 270 weeks. Lendl won 8 Grand Slam titles during his career and was known for his power game from the baseline. He was a dominant force in the sport during the 1980s. He was a pioneer in the game, and his approach to training and fitness has had a lasting impact on the sport.
Jimmy Connors – 286 weeks
Jimmy Connors was a former American professional tennis player who held the number one spot in the ATP world rankings for a total of 268 weeks. He won a total of 109 singles titles during his career, including eight Grand Slam titles, five ATP Tour Finals championships, and one Australian Open title. He spent 160 consecutive weeks as world number from 19874 to 1977.
Connors was known for his aggressive style of play and his competitive spirit on the court. His achievements in the sport are truly remarkable. Connors’ impact on the sport of tennis was significant, and his tenacity and competitiveness continue to inspire players today.
Rafael Nadal – 209 weeks
Rafael Nadal is one of the best clay-court players in tennis. Rafa has managed to stay in the top 10 of the ATP rankings from 2005 to 2023 but has been ranked world No. 1 only for 209 weeks, The Spaniard has finished as the year-end No. 1 five times. Nadal has won a joint-record 22 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, including a record 14 French Open titles. He has won 92 ATP singles titles (63 clay courts), but never managed to win an ATP Finals title. King of Clay has won 36 Masters titles.
Nadal is one of only three men to complete the Career Golden Slam in singles. The 22 Grand Slam champion holds 81 consecutive wins record on clay, which is the longest single-surface win streak in the Open Era. He is known for his exceptional athleticism, powerful forehand, and strong defensive skills on the court.
John McEnroe – 170 weeks
John McEnroe is a former American professional tennis player who held the number one spot in the ATP world rankings for a total of 170 weeks. He won a total of 77 singles titles during his career, including seven Grand Slam titles, three of which came at Wimbledon.
McEnroe was known for his serve-and-volley style of play, as well as his fiery temper on the court. He was a five-time ATP Tour Finals champion and a member of the United States Davis Cup team.
Bjorn Borg – 109 weeks
Bjorn Borg is a former Swedish professional tennis player who held the number one spot in the ATP world rankings for a total of 109 weeks. He won a total of 64 singles titles during his career, including 11 Grand Slam titles, six of which came at the French Open and five consecutively at Wimbledon.
Borg was known for his exceptional athleticism and his ability to hit with incredible topspin. He was a three-time ATP Tour Finals champion and a member of the Swedish Davis Cup team. Despite retiring at the age of 26, Borg’s impact on the game of tennis is still felt today.
Andre Agassi – 101 weeks
Andre Agassi is a former American professional tennis player who held the number one spot in the ATP world rankings for a total of 101 weeks. He won a total of 60 singles titles in his career, including eight Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold medal. Agassi’s four Grand Slam came at the Australian Open.
Agassi was known for his powerful groundstrokes and his aggressive style of play. He was a two-time ATP Tour Finals champion and a member of the United States Davis Cup team, his charitable work through the Andre Agassi Foundation has made him a beloved figure both on and off the court.
Lleyton Hewitt – 80
Lleyton Hewitt is a former Australian professional tennis player who held the number one spot in the ATP world rankings for a total of 80 weeks. He won a total of 30 singles titles during his career, including two Grand Slam titles, US Open 2001 and Wimbledon 2002.
Hewitt was known for his speed and tenacity on the court, as well as his exceptional defensive skills. He was a two-time ATP Tour Finals champion and a member of the Australian Davis Cup team, his work as a coach and mentor to young players has continued his impact on the sport.
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