Who is nr 1 in tennis

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: As of June 2024, Novak Djokovic is ranked world No. 1 in men's singles tennis by the ATP, holding a record 40 ATP Masters 1000 titles and 24 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in history.

Key Facts

Novak Djokovic has won a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles, surpassing Margaret Court’s 24 (including amateur era) and standing alone in the Open Era.
Djokovic has held the ATP No. 1 ranking for over 400 weeks, more than any other player in history.
He achieved the Triple Career Grand Slam by winning each of the four majors at least three times.
Djokovic won his first Grand Slam at the 2008 Australian Open and has since dominated the sport for over 15 years.
In 2023, he won 3 of the 4 Grand Slam tournaments, missing only the French Open final due to injury.

Overview

As of mid-2024, Novak Djokovic is the top-ranked male tennis player in the world according to the ATP rankings. His consistency, longevity, and dominance across all surfaces have solidified his position as the most successful player in the Open Era. Djokovic's blend of physical endurance, mental toughness, and technical precision sets him apart from his peers.

The ATP rankings are based on a rolling 52-week points system, where players earn points based on tournament performance. Djokovic’s ability to maintain peak performance into his late 30s has allowed him to accumulate and retain points across multiple seasons. His record at Grand Slams and Masters 1000 events continues to expand, reinforcing his status as the current No. 1.

Djokovic has held the ATP No. 1 ranking for over 400 weeks, surpassing Roger Federer’s previous record of 310 weeks. This milestone was reached in March 2024, marking a new benchmark in men's tennis history.
He is the only man to win each Grand Slam tournament at least three times, completing a Triple Career Grand Slam—a feat unmatched by any other player, male or female.
Djokovic won the 2023 Australian Open, French Open, and US Open, narrowly missing a calendar-year Grand Slam after withdrawing from the French Open final due to injury.
His 24 Grand Slam titles include 10 Australian Open titles, the most by any player at a single major, showcasing his dominance on hard courts.
He has won a record 40 ATP Masters 1000 titles, including multiple victories at Indian Wells, Miami, and Paris, underscoring his consistency in elite events.

How It Works

The ATP rankings determine the official world No. 1 based on a player’s performance over the past 52 weeks. Points are awarded for each tournament based on the round reached, with Grand Slams offering the most. Players defend points from the previous year, so sustained excellence is essential to maintain a top ranking.

ATP Points System: Players earn points based on tournament results, with Grand Slams offering up to 2000 points for the winner. These points count toward their 52-week rolling total.
Defending Points: If a player won a tournament the previous year, they must defend those points the next year; otherwise, their ranking drops even if they perform well.
Ranking Updates: The ATP updates rankings weekly, typically on Monday mornings, reflecting results from tournaments ending the previous week.
Eligibility: All ATP-sanctioned tournaments contribute to rankings, including Grand Slams, ATP 250, 500, and 1000 events, and the ATP Finals.
No. 1 Criteria: The player with the highest cumulative points total after 52 weeks is ranked No. 1, regardless of popularity or past achievements.
Longevity Factor: Djokovic’s ability to remain injury-free and competitive past age 35 has allowed him to accumulate points consistently over time.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top male tennis players based on Grand Slam titles, weeks at No. 1, and Masters 1000 titles as of June 2024:

Player	Grand Slam Titles	Weeks at No. 1	Masters 1000 Titles	First Grand Slam Win
Novak Djokovic	24	400+	40	2008 (Australian Open)
Rafael Nadal	22	209	36	2005 (French Open)
Roger Federer	20	310	28	2003 (Wimbledon)
Pete Sampras	14	286	11	1990 (US Open)
Björn Borg	11	109	15	1974 (French Open)

This table highlights Djokovic’s dominance across all major statistical categories. While Nadal leads on clay and Federer was a grass-court specialist, Djokovic’s success across all surfaces gives him a statistical edge. His ability to peak at crucial moments and maintain fitness has extended his reign at the top longer than any predecessor.

Why It Matters

Being ranked No. 1 in tennis is more than a title—it reflects sustained excellence, global influence, and historical legacy. Djokovic’s position impacts not only rankings but also sponsorship, media coverage, and the development of future players who model their games after him.

Djokovic’s success inspires a new generation of players from Serbia and Eastern Europe, increasing global participation in tennis.
His longevity challenges perceptions about age in professional sports, proving elite performance is possible into the late 30s.
He commands higher appearance fees and endorsement deals, influencing the financial structure of the sport.
His rivalry with Nadal and Federer elevated the sport’s popularity, contributing to record viewership and attendance.
Advocacy for player rights through the PTPA has reshaped discussions about fair compensation in tennis.
His record-setting achievements are now benchmarks for greatness, influencing how future legends are measured.

Novak Djokovic’s status as the current No. 1 is not just a ranking—it’s a testament to sustained dominance, resilience, and evolution in a highly competitive sport. His legacy continues to grow with each tournament he enters.