Novak Djokovic Says ‘Surreal’ to Break Steffi Graf’s World Rankings Record

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Novak Djokovic Says ‘Surreal’ to Break Steffi Graf’s World Rankings Record


Last Updated: February 27, 2023, 07:37 IST

Novak Djokovic throughout his open practise session (AP)

Novak Djokovic broke Steffi Graf’s document of 377 weeks at primary within the rankings

Novak Djokovic says breaking Steffi Graf’s document of 377 weeks at primary within the rankings on Monday is “surreal” and that he is proud to surpass one of the sport’s all-time greats.

The Serb will spend his 378th week at the top of men’s tennis competing in Dubai, where he will play his first tournament since capturing a 10th Australian Open crown and record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title last month.

“I still want more achievements,” Djokovic instructed reporters in Dubai on Sunday.

“I’m pushed by the objectives. I’m as devoted to the game actually as anyone else.

“Of course, it’s surreal in a means to be that many weeks world primary, to match Steffi Graf, who is among the all-time greats of our sport, each women and men. Just being amongst these legendary names is flattering. I’m very happy with it.”

Undefeated in all 12 matches he has contested so far this season, Djokovic says he has been pain-free for the past week, having recovered from a muscle tear in his left hamstring he had sustained in Australia.

“I’m getting closer to a hundred percent. Still not there in terms of the game itself, how I feel on the court. But the important thing is that there is no pain. I don’t have a hindrance to the way I move on the court,” declared the 35-year-old.

Djokovic will start his Dubai marketing campaign towards Czech qualifier Tomas Machac on Tuesday, the place the likes of Daniil Medvedev, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Andy Murray are additionally anticipated to take the courtroom.

Last 12 months, Dubai performed host to Djokovic’s first occasion of the season after he had been deported from Australia over his vaccination standing.

A five-time champion in Dubai, he was defeated within the quarter-finals by Jiri Vesely.

Murray, who’s one week older than Djokovic and has been the Serb’s rival since their early teen years, is coming off a shocking week in Doha, the place he battled by 4 three-setters earlier than shedding to Medvedev within the remaining.

It has been a theme for the British former world primary, who additionally placed on heroic shows on the Australian Open final month.

“What is going on now this 12 months along with his match factors saved in actually each match he performs, the quantity of hours he spent on the courtroom because the starting of the 12 months, notably in Australia, is simply one thing you need to admire and say ‘chapeau’ due to every thing he has gone by along with his hip,” said Djokovic of Murray.

‘Great guy Murray’

“You have to note that he has an artificial hip and he’s moving the way he does. He’s constantly looking to improve and to get back to the highest level, which it seems like he’s been doing. He’s just rising in the rankings. The level is better and better.

“I’m very happy for him because he’s a great guy, respects the sport, works very, very hard. So very committed, he deserves his success.”

Djokovic has additionally been paying consideration to the current exploits of Chinese gamers on the ATP tour.

There are two Chinese males ranked within the prime 100 – Wu Yibing and Zhang Zhizhen – with teenager Shang Juncheng not far behind.

Djokovic mentioned he at all times knew it was solely a matter of time earlier than China’s males made their means up the rankings the best way Chinese girls have on the WTA tour.

“I’m comfortable for China’s tennis. It’s necessary. It’s necessary {that a} nation like China is doing effectively in males’s tennis, as effectively. I feel for us globally, as a part of tennis ecosystem, it’s nice information,” he added.

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(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed)



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