Top 5 Men's Tennis Players with the Most Weeks as ATP World No. 1 in History
In the history of tennis, what truly separates the greats from the rest is their ability to consistently overcome higher-ranked opponents. Few players have managed to dominate across varying surfaces and conditions, and even fewer have sustained the physical and mental endurance needed to thrive through a grueling tour schedule.
It's no surprise, then, that Novak Djokovic sits at the top of this elite list. The Serbian’s relentless dedication, discipline, and commitment to excellence have kept him at the pinnacle of the sport—even at 38, he remains a formidable force.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top five men’s singles players with the most weeks ranked as ATP World No. 1.
5. Jimmy Connors – 268 Weeks

During his illustrious career, Jimmy Connors captured eight Grand Slam singles titles—five at the US Open, two at Wimbledon, and one at the Australian Open.
Renowned for his fierce competitiveness and longevity, Connors also won three year-end championships and holds the all-time record with 109 ATP singles titles. His tournament victories include prestigious events such as the U.S. Pro Indoor, Queen’s Club, and the Los Angeles Open, among many others. Connors finished as the year-end world No. 1 five times throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, solidifying his place as one of tennis's all-time greats.
4. Ivan Lendl – 270 Weeks

Ivan Lendl spent an impressive 270 weeks as the ATP World No. 1, with a remarkable 157 consecutive weeks at the top — the second-longest streak in history. He finished the year ranked No. 1 four times, underscoring his dominance throughout the 1980s.
During his peak years, Lendl captured eight Grand Slam titles: three at the French Open, three at the US Open, and two at the Australian Open. He was also a force at season-ending championships, winning seven titles, including multiple victories at the prestigious Masters Grand Prix.
A model of consistency at the highest level, Lendl reached a record eight consecutive US Open finals, further cementing his legacy as one of the most formidable competitors in tennis history.
3. Pete Sampras – 286 Weeks

At the height of his career, Pete Sampras captured 14 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record seven Wimbledon Championships, five US Opens, and two Australian Opens. Beyond the majors, he secured five ATP Tour Finals titles, two Grand Slam Cups, and 11 Masters titles, with notable victories in Cincinnati and Paris.
Renowned for his dominant serve-and-volley game, Sampras was a commanding force on the court. He finished as the year-end No. 1 for a record six consecutive seasons, a testament to his consistency, athleticism, and mental toughness at the sport’s highest level.
2. Roger Federer – 310 Weeks

Roger Federer redefined the standards of longevity and excellence in tennis, holding the ATP World No. 1 ranking for a record 310 weeks. Over the course of his illustrious career, he claimed 20 Grand Slam titles—eight at Wimbledon, six at the Australian Open, five at the US Open, and one at Roland Garros. Federer also secured six ATP Finals trophies and 28 ATP Masters 1000 titles, with standout victories in prestigious tournaments like Indian Wells, Miami, Cincinnati, and Shanghai.
Federer’s record 237 consecutive weeks as world No. 1 highlights his dominance, while his success on all surfaces cemented his legacy as a global ambassador for tennis.
1. Novak Djokovic – 428

Novak Djokovic stands alone at the pinnacle of men's tennis, holding the record for the most weeks ranked as ATP World No. 1 — an astonishing 428 weeks. During his illustrious reign, he has captured 24 Grand Slam singles titles, including 10 Australian Opens, seven Wimbledons, four US Opens, and three French Opens.
Djokovic holds a record 40 Masters 1000 titles and seven ATP Finals trophies. He's also the only player in history to be ranked world No. 1 in 13 different years. What truly sets him apart is his remarkable ability to keep coming back to the top, adapt his game as needed, and stay at the highest level for so long.
Cover Credits - Sky Sports
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