Novak Djokovic torn between emotions after earning the one record he never dreamed of

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic set another record when the rankings updated on Monday, becoming the oldest world No. 1 in ATP history. The 36-year-old has made it no secret throughout his career that his goal is to the history of the sport. But Djokovic admitted that he never planned to achieve the unusual feat, even if it was a testament to his longevity.

Djokovic already holds virtually every significant record in tennis. He has the most Grand Slam titles in the Open Era with 24, the most Masters 1000s with 40, and the most weeks at No. 1, spending 420 weeks and counting in the top spot over the course of his career.

And he now has another to add to the list. As of Sunday, Djokovic officially reached the age of 36 years and 321 days, surpassing Roger Federer’s previous record as the oldest No. 1. On his final day atop the rankings on June 24, 2019, he was 36 years and 320 days old.

While Djokovic is usually eager to set new standards in tennis, he confessed that he never dreamed of being the oldest player to lead the rankings. “It’s fun to still be able to compete at the highest level and be No. 1 in the world at the age almost 37,” he said after his opening win in Monte Carlo.

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“It’s not something that I was honestly dreaming of or planning on or thinking is going to become a reality. But I think all the work and all the dedication to the sport in the end and to my body and staying fit is paying off and I’m able to I guess maintain the longevity and extend the career for years and years.”

The veterans are leading the charge on the ATP Tour, as doubles world No. 1 Rohan Bopanna is also the oldest man to claim the top spot at the age of 44. And the pair met up in Monte Carlo to mark their unusual milestones.

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Djokovic added: “I met Bopanna yesterday who is the oldest doubles No. 1 in the history so he said that we have a combined age of 80. He does contribute to the 80 more than I do.” The Serb will be hoping that his status as the oldest ATP No. 1 isn’t the only achievement he claims this week, as he bids to win his third Monte-Carlo Masters title.

The top seed got off to a strong start in his opening match on Tuesday, thrashing Roman Safiullin 6-1 6-2. But there’s work to be done if he wants to get his hands on the trophy again. Djokovic has not been beyond the third round since 2019 or the quarter-finals since 2015.