• Loading stock data...
Monday, January 12, 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).

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 13, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Darren Cahill and the support team for Jannik Sinner of Italy react during the menÕs singles final on day 14 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Pam Shriver, Brad Gilbert Out at ESPN As Network Revamps Tennis Coverage

Darren Cahill’s future is still up in the air after nearly 20 years at ESPN.
Aug 18 2024; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Aryna Sabalenka at the net with Iga Swiatek of Poland after their match on day seven of the Cincinnati Open.

Women Tennis Players Continue to Blast Battle of the Sexes

“The guy is detestable,” one former women’s pro said about Nick Kyrgios.

Novak Djokovic Leaves Tennis Group He Cofounded

The 24-time major winner cites a variety of issues with the union.

Featured Today

Black Rabbit

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
January 9, 2026

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.
January 6, 2026

Hockey in Florida Was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.

Tigers and Skubal File a Whopping $13 Million Apart on Salary

The ace pitcher is seeking a record-level salary in arbitration.
Jan 6, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center.
January 8, 2026

LeBron James on the Verge of Losing Two 21-Year Streaks

James has qualified for every All-Star Game since 2024.
January 9, 2026

WNBA Union Highlights Big Gap With NBA Health Benefits

WNBA players have far more limited health benefits.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
January 7, 2026

Trae Young Shipped to D.C. in NBA Season’s First Blockbuster 

Young has a player option for next season worth $49 million. 
exclusive
January 7, 2026

Tiger Woods’s 50th Birthday Party Has Jon Bon Jovi and a Title..

The golf superstar is hosting a belated 50th birthday bash.
January 5, 2026

Saquon Barkley Whiffs on Incentives a Year After Sweeping Them

Barkley sat out Sunday’s game to rest for the postseason. 
January 2, 2026

McIlroy Roasts LIV, But Would Welcome Players Back to PGA Tour

McIlroy admitted he was “too judgemental” of professionals who left for LIV.