"Still No. 1 without giving in to bullies or backing down for money, definition of a legend" - Tennis fans celebrate Novak Djokovic holding on to World No. 1 ranking
Daniil Medvedev was just one win away from taking back the World No. 1 spot from Novak Djokovic at the Miami Masters, but the Russian fell agonizingly short. The 26-year-old needed to reach the semifinals in Miami to reclaim the top ranking, but succumbed to a straight-sets loss to defending champion Hubert Hurkacz on Thursday.
Medvedev will therefore head into the clay season as the World No. 2, while Djokovic is assured of his 364th week atop the ATP rankings.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion has spent the most weeks at No. 1 among male players. If he can stay there for 13 more weeks, Djokovic will equal Steffi Graf's all-time record of 377 weeks.
What makes Djokovic's achievement even more impressive is the fact that he has only played three matches so far this year. Due to vaccine mandates, the Serb was prevented from playing in both Australia and the USA and was forced to drop a big chunk of his points.
Despite that, the World No. 1 managing to hold on to his position for almost the entirety of the early hardcourt swing was a reason for his fans to celebrate.
Russia's Daniil Medvedev missed out on a chance to return to the top of the world rankings after defeat against Hubert Hurkacz at the Miami Open.
#BBCTennis
They wasted no time taking to social media to remind everyone that their favorite was the GOAT.
"Still No. 1 without giving in to the bullies or backing down for money. Djokovic is the definition of a legend," one fan tweeted.
Still number one WITHOUT giving in to the bullies or backing down for money.
Djokovic is the definition of a legend. twitter.com/wearetennis/st…
Imagine playing a sport where u are the best player in the World for over a third of your career......well that's Novak Djokovic!!
Djokovic turned pro in 2003, been playing professional tennis for 19 years & come Monday 7 of those years he's been the World No1!!🤯
#GOAT𓃵
Djokovic wasn't allowed to play the Australian Open where he is the 9x defending Champion!!
Didn't play Indian Wells which he's won 5x neither Miami which he's won 6x!!
Only played 1 tournament which is Dubai yet he is still the World No1!!🐐
"Novak Djokovic beats the past gen, current gen, and the next gen and stays as world#1, without setting his foot on the tennis courts. GOAT material," another fan tweeted.
Novak Djokovic beats the past gen, current gen, and the next gen and stays as world#1, without setting his foot on the tennis courts. #GOAT𓃵 material ❤️
Stop counting in weeks for Djokovic.
Start counting in years.
That makes 7️⃣
Dear Haters,
Novak Djokovic is still the World No.1 of the sport that you all love. Have a great day😀
Fans of other players were quick to respond, placing the blame on Daniil Medvedev for not being consistent enough to capitalize on the Serb's absence from the tour.
"Medvedev had one job; to keep Djokovic from No. 1 when he isn't even playing. He can't even do that," one user lamented.
Medvedev had one job; to keep Djokovic from No. 1 when he isn't even playing. He can't even do that😭
Daniil Medvedev was just born to deny Novak Djokovic CYGS! He’s just not performing according to his level since.
Hurkacz defeated him now.
Novak Djokovic stays as the World No.1 🫡
Several of the World No. 1's fans, on the other hand, were very pleased with Hubert Hurkacz for helping the Serb keep hold of his spot at the summit.
Bagelled Federer on Centre Court at Wimbledon, and just beat Medvedev to ensure that Djokovic stays as the world #1. Hubi Hurkacz, we love you more than you'll ever know," one fan wrote.
Bagelled Federer on Centre Court at Wimbledon, and just beat Medvedev to insure that Djokovic stays as the world #1
HUBI HURKACZ WE LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU'LL EVER KNOW
@Yolitatennis It was destiny. Djokovic beat Hurkacz to clinch a 7th year-end #1. And Hurkacz won today giving Djokovic 7 full years at #1.😉
Novak Djokovic has a chance to extend his lead over Daniil Medvedev at the Monte-Carlo Masters
When the ranking points are updated on Monday, the World No. 1 will only have a 10-point lead over Daniil Medvedev.
Rankings on Monday
1. Djokovic 8420
2. Medvedev 8410
But the Serb is defending fewer points than the Russian at the Monte-Carlo Masters, where both players are slated to play next. Djokovic is only defending 90 points in the ATP 1000 event following his quarter-final exit in the 2019 edition. Medvedev, on the other hand, reached the semifinals in 2019 and will be defending 180 points.
With the Top 10!
montecarlotennismasters.com/conference-de-… https://t.co/O0SigOM9yz
The pair will be joined by eight of the top-10 players at the Monte Carlo Country club, where action will begin on 10 April.