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Djokovic sets a new ATP record after 860 weeks in the Top 5, surpassing Federer. But injury concerns leave his French Open hopes hanging in balance.
Novak Djokovic at AO26 (AP)
Novak Djokovic just can’t stop breaking records, even when he’s not on court.
In an unprecedented achievement, the Serbian legend has kicked off his 860th career week inside the Top 5 of the ATP rankings — smashing the previous record and etching tennis history.
He now edges past the great Roger Federer (859 weeks), with the fiery Rafael Nadal further behind (837 weeks).
And here’s the more impressive tidbit: Djokovic hasn’t just lingered in the Top 5, but rather, he’s owned it.
Out of those 860 weeks, a record 428 have come at World No. 1 — comfortably ahead of Federer’s 310.
The rest of his reign?
- 171 weeks at No. 2
- 165 weeks at No. 3
- 59 weeks at No. 4
- 37 weeks at No. 5.
Trouble Looms on Clay
The numbers may be jaw-dropping, but the Serbian’s current reality is far from it.
Djokovic, currently ranked No. 4, has withdrawn from the Madrid Open as he continues to recover from a lingering shoulder injury — the latest withdrawal in a string of absences that have disrupted his campaign this year.
He hasn’t played since his fourth-round exit at the Indian Wells Masters, where he was beaten by Jack Draper. Since then, he’s also skipped Miami and Monte Carlo, which are key stops in the build-up to Roland Garros.
At 38, the physical demands are starting to show — with Djokovic currently holding a meagre 7-2 record this season.
A Rocky Road to No. 25
The bigger picture? Djokovic is still chasing history, as he eyes a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.
His closest opportunity to attain the goal this year came at the Australian Open, where he fell in the final to Carlos Alcaraz.
Now, with the French Open fast approaching, time isn’t exactly on his side. His next scheduled appearance is the Italian Open in May, but even that remains uncertain.
For a player who’s spent nearly half his career as the World No. 1, the main demand now is rather elementary: to stay fit.
April 20, 2026, 2:19 PM IST
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