Generational Rivalry: Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz head into 2026 after playing for four of five biggest titles

Novak Djokovic is currently in the middle of chasing his 11th Australian Open title—and his 25th Grand Slam title—as he prepares to take on Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals in Melbourne on Tuesday.

But today is Monday, the beginning of a new week of rankings, and he hits a new milestone without even playing a match today.

Djokovic is spending his 409th career week at No. 1 on the ATP rankings this week, now exactly 200 more weeks than any other active player—Rafael Nadal has the next-most with 209.

MOST CAREER WEEKS AS ATP NO. 1 AMONG ACTIVE PLAYERS:

409 weeks: Novak Djokovic [including week of January 22, 2024]
209 weeks: Rafael Nadal
41 weeks: Andy Murray
36 weeks: Carlos Alcaraz
16 weeks: Daniil Medvedev

Not only does Djokovic hold the record for most career weeks at No. 1 in ATP rankings history, but he also has a record eight year-end No. 1 finishes.

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Djokovic, who won three of the four Grand Slams last year—and reached the final at the other one, Wimbledon—is currently locked in a three-man battle with Alcaraz and Medvedev to determine who will be ranked No. 1 following the Australian Open.

Medvedev has the longest shot at leaving Melbourne at No. 1. Not only does he need to win the title, but he also needs both Djokovic and Alcaraz to lose before the semifinals this week.

Djokovic is the frontrunner, with Alcaraz just behind him. If one of them goes a round further than the other one, that player will be No. 1. If they both reach the same round, Djokovic will be No. 1. And if they play each other in the final, the winner will become No. 1.

But, as mentioned, if Djokovic and Alcaraz both lose in the quarterfinals and Medvedev wins the title, Medvedev will be No. 1.

Stay tuned…

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