Top 10 men's singles players with most weeks as ATP World No. 1

Novak Djokovic tops the list comfortably with 428 weeks as ATP World No. 1.

In the history of tennis, what separates the great players from the rest is their ability to triumph over higher-ranked opponents. Very few players have managed to conquer players across different conditions, and maintaining fitness to outlast a hectic schedule is the key to success.

So, it comes as no surprise that Novak Djokovic tops this list, as the Serbian’s dedication and commitment to the game are unmatched, which is a big reason why he is still a force to reckon with at 38. On that note, let’s take a look at the top 10 men’s singles players with the most weeks as ATP World No. 1.

Players with most weeks as ATP World No. 1

10. Lleyton Hewitt – 80 Weeks

In his illustrious tennis career, Lleyton Hewitt not only held the ATP World No. 1 ranking for 80 weeks but also did so as the youngest man ever to reach the top, achieving the feat at just 20 years old after his victory at the 2001 US Open and the season-ending finals in Sydney.

His tenure at the pinnacle of ATP ranking included 75 consecutive weeks between November 2001 and April 2003, while Hewitt also finished as the year-end No. 1 in both 2001 and 2002.

Before retiring in 2016 from professional tennis, the Australian star claimed 33 ATP Tour titles, including the 2001 US Open, 2002 Wimbledon, and the 2000 US Open doubles title with Max Mirnyi. He also won back-to-back Tennis Masters Cups in 2001 and 2002.

9. Andre Agassi – 101 Weeks

The American great Andre Agassi spent 101 weeks as the ATP World No. 1 becoming one of the most celebrated tennis champions. In 1999 he completed the rare Career Grand Slam, winning all four majors and also securing the year-end No. 1 ranking.

Agassi retired from tennis at age 36, playing his last match at the US Open 2006. But before that, he had won 60 ATP Tour-level singles titles including eight Grand Slam titles, and 17 ATP Masters 1000 titles.

Also Read: Top five youngest men’s singles players to achieve Career Grand Slam

8. Bjorn Borg – 109 Weeks

Bjorn Borg often regarded as the ‘Ice Man’ of tennis, spent 109 weeks as the ATP World No.1. He first reached the top ranking on August 23, 1977, and finished as the year-end World No. 1 in 1979 and 1980.

The Swedish great in his legendary career collected 11 Grand Slam singles titles, including six French Open and five consecutive Wimbledon Championships. He was also honoured as the ATP Player of the Year five times (1976-1980) and ITF World Champion three consecutive years (1978-1980).

7. John McEnroe – 170 Weeks

In 1980, John McEnroe became the ATP men’s singles World No. 1 for the first time, embarking on a grand chapter in tennis history. Over his career, he spent a total of 170 weeks at the top, finishing as year-end No. 1 for four straight years from 1981 to 1984.

His 1984 season remains legendary, as he compiled an 82–3 singles record, the highest single-season win percentage of the Open Era at 96.5%. Before retiring from professional tennis in 1992, McEnroe won 77 singles titles and 77 doubles titles, including seven Grand Slam singles crowns.

6. Rafael Nadal – 209 Weeks

The King of Clay, Rafael Nadal, is the only man to have been ranked World No. 1 in three different decades (2000s, 2010s, and 2020s). He held the top ATP ranking for 209 weeks and finished as year-end No. 1 five times.

The Spanish legendary tennis star also holds the Open Era record for most consecutive weeks inside the Top 10 with 912 weeks. Over his career, Rafa earned 22 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record 14 French Open, and two Olympic gold medals.

Also Read: Top five men’s singles players with most consecutive weeks as ATP World No. 1

5. Jimmy Connors – 268 Weeks

During his time at the top, Jimmy Connors won eight Grand Slam singles titles, including five US Open, two Wimbledon, and one Australian Open.

He also captured three year-end championships and amassed a record 109 ATP singles titles, which include victories at the U.S. Pro Indoor, Queen’s Club, Los Angeles Open, and several other prominent events. Connors finished as year-end No. 1 five times during the 1970s and early 1980s.

Also Read: List of players who have won 100+ men’s singles titles

4. Ivan Lendl – 270 Weeks

Spending 270 weeks as ATP World No. 1, Ivan Lendl’s 157 consecutive weeks at the top ranks second all-time, and he was year-end No. 1 four times. He won eight major titles during this period, including three French Open titles, three US Open titles, and two Australian Open titles.

He also won seven year-end championships (including the Masters Grand Prix) and was a constant force at the biggest events, reaching a record eight consecutive US Open finals.

3. Pete Sampras – 286 Weeks

While at the top, Pete Sampras won 14 Grand Slam singles titles—seven Wimbledon Championships, five US Open, and two Australian Open. He also claimed five ATP Tour Finals, two Grand Slam Cups, and 11 Masters titles, including Cincinnati and Paris.

Sampras finished as year-end No. 1 for a record six consecutive seasons, and his serve-and-volley prowess made him a formidable presence at the sport’s biggest tournaments.

2. Roger Federer – 310 Weeks

Roger Federer redefined longevity and excellence by being the ATP World No. 1 for 310 weeks. During his reign, Federer won 20 Grand Slam titles—eight Wimbledon titles, six Australian Open, five US Open, and one French Open title.

He also captured six ATP Finals and 28 Masters 1000 titles, including Indian Wells, Miami, Cincinnati, and Shanghai.

Federer’s 237 consecutive weeks at No. 1 is a record, and his ability to win across all surfaces made him a global ambassador for tennis.

1. Novak Djokovic – 428

Novak Djokovic stands alone at the summit, having spent a record 428 weeks as ATP World No. 1. During his reign, Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam singles titles, including 10 Australian Open, seven Wimbledon, four US Open, and three French Open.

The Serbian also holds a record 40 Masters 1000 titles and seven ATP Finals trophies, and is the only player to be ranked No. 1 at least once in 13 different years. Djokovic’s ability to reclaim the top spot, adapt his game, and maintain his longevity sets him apart from the rest.

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