Novak Djokovic record 'unbelievable' as Barbara Schett backs him to 'get over 400 weeks' at world No. 1

ByDan Quarrell

Updated 28/02/2023 at 07:03 GMT

What Novak Djokovic has achieved in eclipsing WTA Tour legend Steffi Graf for the number of weeks spent at world No. 1 is "unbelievable", Eurosport's Barbara Schett has said. Looking further ahead at the 35-year-old's prospects of extending the remarkable tally, she added: "I don't see this being the end to him being the world No. 1 as I think he will get over 400 weeks."

Eurosport's Barbara Schett has backed Novak Djokovic to "get over 400 weeks" at world No. 1 after he surpassed Steffi Graf's record with his 378th week at the top spot in the ATP world rankings.

The 35-year-old, who had already broken Roger Federer’s record of 310 weeks as men’s world No. 1, surpassed WTA Tour legend Graf's remarkable tally on Monday when he moved to 378 weeks at the top.

Djokovic - who is also level with his great rival Rafael Nadal on 22 Grand Slam singles titles after he - has another Spaniard, Carlos Alcaraz, putting him under pressure for the top ranking but has held him off for long enough to secure the record.

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Schett, who looked up to Graf when she was a player with the legendary WTA star an icon of the sport, cannot believe what Djokovic has achieved in surpassing the German's extraordinary feat.

"Novak Djokovic being the world No. 1 for 378 weeks is seven years, which is unbelievable," Schett told Eurosport.

"He has surpassed Steffi Graf, who for me was always an idol and a role model.

"I had so much respect for her because I played against her and I played in that era. I never thought that somebody would break her record. Now that has happened with Novak, which is phenomenal.

"When he won the Australian Open at the beginning of the year and he became the No. 1 in the world again, I was thinking 'how is that possible?'

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"Last year, two out of the four Grand Slams he was not able to play, then the one he won at Wimbledon he did not get any points.

"So pretty much without playing in three Grand Slams, he became world No. 1 again. I think that says a lot about Novak Djokovic and tells you how good he is.

"I don't see this being the end to him being the world No. 1 as I think he will get over 400 weeks.

"He is still the one to beat at the moment and is the most consistent player out there. He has really, really deserved this.

"It is phenomenal what he has achieved, and he rightfully has the record."

Djokovic v Alcaraz rivalry at top of world rankings 'great for tennis' says Corretja

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The 2023 Australian Open was live and the French Open will follow on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com

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