"I'm sure Graf will have highest percentage weeks" - Pam Shriver suggests new metric to compare Novak Djokovic & Steffi Graf for all-time No. 1 record
Pam Shriver believes that Novak Djokovic and Steffi Graf's respective total number of weeks at world No. 1 should not be the only criterion to compare them for the all-time No. 1 record. Shriver introduced 'percentage of total weeks spent at No. 1' as a metric to compare the two players, where she feels Graf would still comfortably hold the all-time men's and women's record.
Earlier this week, Djokovic entered his 378th career week at the top of the ATP rankings and thus surpassed Graf's record of 377 weeks as the WTA World No. 1. No player, male or female, has now spent more weeks than the Serbian great as the World No. 1.
In light of Djokovic's feat, Shriver suggested comparing the number of weeks out of the total weeks of their respective careers that Djokovic and Graf have spent at the No. 1 spot.
"How about putting a % of total weeks spent at #1? It would be another metric to compare say Graf and Djokovic’s total weeks at #1 to their total weeks with any ranking," Pam Shriver wrote on Twitter.
The American highlighted that players these days have longer careers due to improvements in recovery techniques and larger teams to help them. She believes that comparing the duo of Djokovic and Graf only in terms of total weeks at No. 1 would be unfair on Graf.
"Careers are longer now with recovery science and larger teams. I am sure Graf will have highest % weeks at #1," Shriver added.
@TennisPodcast How about putting a % of total weeks spent at #1? It would be another metric to compare say Graf and Djokovic’s total weeks at #1 to their total weeks with any ranking. Careers are longer now with recovery science and larger teams. I am sure Graf will have highest % weeks at #1.
Shriver later defended her idea after Paul McNamee suggested that comparing men's and women's records was not ideal.
"In pro tennis I think some records like total weeks at #1 and % of weeks at #1 is perfect for men’s and women’s tennis, plus it’s what makes our sport distinctive. I don’t get your why?" Shriver wrote.
@PHShriver @TennisPodcast Pam I think comparing men’s and women’s records in sport is, quite simply, not the way to go
@PaulFMcNamee @TennisPodcast In pro tennis I think some records like total weeks at #1 and % of weeks at #1 is perfect for men’s and women’s tennis, plus it’s what makes our sport distinctive. I don’t get your why?
Djokovic's biggest challenger in the rankings, Carlos Alcaraz, has withdrawn from the Mexican Open due to another injury. That means the 35-year-old will hold the top spot in the ATP rankings for at least two more consecutive weeks, until the end of the Indian Wells Masters.
"It's surreal to be that many weeks World No. 1, to match Steffi Graf" - Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic recently shared his thoughts on becoming the new holder of the all-time No. 1 record. He said it was "surreal" for him to be the world's top-ranked player for that many weeks and match the legendary Steffi Graf in the process. The 10-time Australian Open champion also said he felt "flattered" to be in such celebrated company.
"Of course, it's surreal in a way to be that many weeks world No. 1, to match Steffi Graf, that is one of the all-time greats of our sport, both men and women," Djokovic said in a recent press conference. "Just being amongst these legendary names is flattering. Of course, I'm very proud of it."
The Belgrade native is competing at the Dubai Tennis Championships this week. He was forced to dig deep in his first match, before getting a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(1) win over Tomas Machac.
Djokovic faces Tallon Griekspoor next, in the Round of 16 on Wednesday.