Wednesday, May 27, 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

Featured Today

May 24, 2026; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats attack Kathryn Ratanaproeksa (13) shoots against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half at Martin Stadium

Can Women’s Lacrosse Buck the Trend in College Sports?

The sport is fighting to prove its worth in the revenue-sharing era.
May 22, 2026

Big Money on the Line on Premier League’s Final Day

Arsenal has won the title, but millions are still at stake.
Texas State mascot
May 22, 2026

Mascot-Reveal Videos Are the Newest College Sports Tradition

Student mascot unmasking videos are going mega-viral.
Charlie Pliner and Nikolas Rohrmann
May 22, 2026

How 2 Brown Undergrads Became Sports Dealmakers

An experimental project turned into a permanent course and business deal network.
May 24, 2026; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kristian Gkolomeev (GRE) poses with Enhanced co-founder Max Martin after setting a world record in the 50m freestyle of 21.81 during the Enhanced Games at Resorts World Las Vegas.

Clean Athletes Stole the Show at the Enhanced Games

Three clean athletes won events against performance-enhancing peers.
May 22, 2026

Stafford Signs $55 Million Extension With Rams

The 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player receives a sizable pay increase.
May 22, 2026

Sabalenka, Sinner Lead Coordinated Media Protest at French Open

The players are seeking increased revenue and improved benefits from Grand Slams.
Sponsored

The Hidden Economy of Race Weekend

Learn more about the Vintage Flying Museum and how Spectrum Business is helping them achieve their business goals while fueling their dreams.
Sponsored

Volpe Brings Style to the Bronx

With the New York Yankees & Anthony Volpe, Charles Tyrwhitt is bringing its decades-long playbook to one of sports’ biggest stages.
May 15, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA; Bryson DeChambeau plays his shot on the seventh tee during the second round of the PGA Championship golf tournament.
May 15, 2026

Bryson DeChambeau Misses Second Major Cut Amid LIV Turmoil

DeChambeau also missed the cut at this year’s Masters.
Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga
May 14, 2026

OnlyFans Is Paying Pro Athletes What Their Sports Won’t

The adult-content platform is a reliable income source for niche athletes.
May 12, 2026

NBA Player Brandon Clarke Dies at 29

Clarke died on Monday in Southern California, authorities say.