... ...
Friday, September 18, 2026

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

WTA Finals Moving to Charlotte in 2027 As U.S. Push Continues

The 2026 WTA Finals will be played at Indian Wells.

ABC Draws Record 3.2M Viewers for US Open Men’s Final

Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton to claim his second Grand Slam title.
Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 12, 2026 Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka enters the court ahead of her final match against Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Geoff Burke

Top Tennis Players Pause Public Battle With Grand Slams

It’s not clear which players will be part of the new council.

Zverev Beats Shelton as American Men’s Grand Slam Drought Continues

Zverev won the US Open for his second Grand Slam of 2026.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/17/26 – CFB Ratings Surge, Joe Buck’s $108M Deal, Knicks Ticket Shock

0:00

Featured Today

Fantasy Football Drafts Are Turning Into Full-Blown Vacations

Leagues are foregoing solo drafts and replacing them with in-person getaways.
Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena
September 10, 2026

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
September 4, 2026

Wild Transfer Window Shows How Premier League Towers Over Soccer

Spending in England vastly outstripped the rest of Europe.
September 3, 2026

Teams Are Spending Millions to Build Luxury Locker Rooms

It’s a recruiting pitch, a retention tool, and a seven-figure line item.
Jul 15, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Kevin Hart arrives on the red carpet before the 2026 ESPY Awards at Lincoln Center.

LeBron James and Kevin Hart Planning YouTube Golf Collab

Both celebrities recently launched golf content channels.
Aug 28, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) warms up against the Seattle Seahawks prior to a game at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 14, 2026

Mahomes Comeback Kicks Off ESPN ‘MNF’ Coverage

The two-time NFL MVP is completing a remarkable injury recovery.
asset class
September 16, 2026

Ndamukong Suh Says He Almost Invested in the Seahawks

He also “looked at” the Portland Blazers and Thorns.
Sponsored

Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy

Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
September 13, 2026

Myles Garrett’s Knee Surgery Adds to Rams’ Early Woes

He’ll miss at least four games on IR.
September 12, 2026

Rybakina Wins First US Open Title, World No. 1, and $5.5M

The 27-year-old will officially become No. 1 in the world on Monday.
September 11, 2026

Taylor Fritz’s Latest Ball Complaint: Retail Ones Are ‘Miserable’

Fritz was knocked out of the US Open in the third round.
September 11, 2026

US Open Ticket Prices Collapse for First Men’s Semifinal

The get-in for Zverev-Khachanov dipped below $30 Friday morning.