Friday, July 31, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Djokovic Hits 7 Years As World No. 1 Despite Absence

  • He has been in the top spot 54 weeks more all-time than Roger Federer.
  • The 34-year-old’s last tournament was the Dubai Duty Tennis Championships in late February.
Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports

Despite not hitting the court in more than a month and missing the season’s first major, Novak Djokovic has reached a milestone: seven years as the world’s No. 1 men’s tennis player.

On Thursday, Djokovic secured his 364th non-consecutive week on top when Daniil Medvedev, who had held the top spot at one point last month, lost in the Miami Open quarterfinals to Hubert Hurkacz.

His refusal to take the COVID vaccine has limited his appearances and saw him deported prior to the Australian Open, but Djokovic’s record will probably be untouchable — and he still reigns supreme on the money list.

  • He’s played in only one tournament in 2022, falling in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Duty Tennis Championships in late February.
  • After earning $9.1M in ’21, Djokovic has made $76,570 in ’22
  • His 364 total weeks at No. 1 are 54 more than Roger Federer, the next-closest.
  • He still ranks first on the career money list with $154.8M in earnings — Federer is second ($130.6M).

The 34-year-old is scheduled to play in the 2022 Monte Carlo Masters on April 10-17 — in preparation for May’s French Open, where he will defend his title and look to equal Rafael Nadal’s record 21 major victories.

Djokovic is currently the second-favorite (+225) to win at Roland Garros, behind Nadal (+110).

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Aug 31, 2023; Flushing, NY, USA; John Isner of the United States is interviewed on court after his second round match against Michael Mmoh of the United States on day four of the 2023 U.S. Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Former Tennis Pro on Influencers at Big Events: ‘Done a Lot for the Sport’

John Isner says there’s upside to content creators’ presence at Grand Slams.

John Isner Backs Tennis Players’ Push for More Pay

Stars conducted a 15-minute media boycott at the French Open.

Sinner Defeats Zverev at Wimbledon, Claims $4.8M Prize

Sinner won his first Grand Slam tournament of the year.
Jul 10, 2026; London, United Kingdom; Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates winning his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day 12 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

Jannik Sinner Reclaims Spot in Grand Slam Final to Vie for $4.8M

Sunday’s winner will claim the No. 4 spot on the career earnings list.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/31/26 – UEFA’s FIFA Boycott, LeBron’s ‘Last Dance’ Doc, Tush Push Stays

0:00

Featured Today

WPBL

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.
Tom's Watch Bar
July 17, 2026

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.

LeBron Could Make Sixers’ Expiring Jersey Patch a Premium Asset

Philly’s deal with Crypto.com expires in 2027. 
Jan 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) celebrates his goal scored against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at Crypto.com Arena
July 29, 2026

Macklin Celebrini Contract Extension Sets New NHL Salary Mark

The Sharks locked up their young phenom at a record AAV.
Marques Colston
July 30, 2026

Marques Colston: Why Everyone Is Buying Into Soccer Clubs

Colston’s The Champion Fund invested in Ipswich Town.
Sponsored

The Football Marketing Offensive Playbook

How to activate during the moments that matter most to football fans.
Sep 22, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walk along the sidelines before their game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
July 27, 2026

Gronk on His Favorite Memorabilia and Belichick’s Jersey-Swap Ban

Gronkowski also discussed Belichick’s approach to managing his personality.
July 24, 2026

WNBA Union Leaders Sidestep Cathy Engelbert Questions 

Engelbert will speak at a press conference Saturday.
May 2, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) speaks during a news conference at the team’s Rookie Minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
July 24, 2026

Mendoza Signs $57M Contract While Pavia’s Path Uncertain

The No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft finally signed his rookie contract.
July 22, 2026

Jonathan Vaughters Defends Late-Night Tour de France Drug Tests 

“Do you want the appearance of clean, or do you want clean and fair?”