Benjamin Lock questions Novak Djokovic's World No. 1 record being compared to Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova & others
Novak Djokovic recently broke Steffi Graf's record (377) for most weeks as the No. 1 in the rankings. However, Zimbabwean player Benjamin Lock has questioned people comparing the Serb's record with players like Graf and Martina Navratilova, pointing out that they are from entirely different tours.
Djokovic currently claims a healthy lead over the rest of the players on the ATP tour in terms of weeks endured as No. 1. Roger Federer comes in second, having got 310 weeks under his belt, which is 68 less than what Djokovic has achieved. The Serb surpassed the Swiss' record in March of 2021 and no other player on the men's tour has even merely threatened him for the record since then.
Lock took to Twitter to express his displeasure about comparing stats between the ATP and WTA tours. He questioned whether any other sport, including the NBA basketball league or the PGA golf tour, would make such comparisons.
"Why are we comparing records from different tours? We don’t compare NBA / WNBA or PGA / LPGA. Do they compare the top 100m sprinters for woman to Usain Bolt’s times?" the 29-year-old wrote on Twitter.
Why are we comparing records from different tours? We don’t compare NBA / WNBA or PGA / LPGA. Do they compare the top 100m sprinters for woman to Usain Bolt’s times? twitter.com/tennistv/statu…
The Serb returned to the No. 1 spot in late January for the first time since June of 2022 following his title win at the Major Down Under. He currently has 6,980 points in the ATP Rankings, which is 200 points more than second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz.
"The level that he has been showing for many years is tremendous" - Holger Rune on Novak Djokovic
Holger Rune recently expressed his admiration for Novak Djokovic, stating that the Serb has been an inspiration for all tennis players.
Ahead of his first-round match against Ben Shelton at the Mexican Open, Rune stated that it was 'really incredible' to see the 22-time Grand Slam champion continue his great form on tour for so long.
"It's something really incredible that he continues to play like this," said the World No. 10 in an interview with Punto de Break. "The level that he has been showing for many years is tremendous. That he has been able to win the Australian Open and practically every tournament that he plays at his age is an inspiration to all of us."
Djokovic is currently competing at the Dubai Tennis Championships. After securing a hard-fought win against Tomas Machac in the opening round, he will face Tallon Griekspoor in the Round of 16 on Wednesday (March 1).