Novak Djokovic eyes Pete Sampras’ record, explains when he hopes to pass Roger Federer milestone
Novak Djokovic has set his sights on two rankings milestones over the next few months as he hopes to tie Pete Sampras’ season-ending No 1 achievement and overtake Roger Federer’s all-time record for most weeks spent at the top of the rankings.
The Sampras record is first on the agenda and he will get an opportunity to do so at this week’s Vienna Open as two wins in Austria will be enough for him to finish the season as the world No 1 and emulate the American great.
World No. 1 @DjokerNole back in Vienna for the first time since his 2007 title 🏆
(via @ErsteBankOpen) pic.twitter.com/mwoYDFAbx2
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 25, 2020
Sampras finished top of the rankings for six consecutive years from 1993 to 1998 while Djokovic is currently tied with Federer and Rafael Nadal on five season-ending No 1s after reaching the milestone in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2018.
“Sampras was my childhood idol growing up and it will be amazing to tie his record by being the year-end world No 1 six times,” the 17-time Grand Slam winner said.
The second record he has set his sights on is the 310 weeks Federer spent as the world No 1.
Djokovic started his 292nd week at the top of the rankings this week and if all goes according to plan then he will set the new milestone in early March 2021.
“It’s my great goal to achieve that and it’s something I am working towards,” the Serbian said.
“I hope it happens in March, but let’s see. So many unpredictable things can happen and things change week by week.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev just happy to be back competing
Alexander Zverev has said that he savours being competitive in big tournaments.
-
Tennis News
WTA star announces that she is expecting a baby girl
Alison Riske-Amritraj will be having a daughter.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”