Novak Djokovic takes Roger Federer record with Australian Open run
With Rafael Nadal's loss in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic is guaranteed of a special piece of tennis history.
Djokovic is now guaranteed to keep his World No.1 until at least March 8, which would give him the all-time record for most weeks atop the rankings (311).
'LEGENDS': Tennis world in frenzy over Ash Barty photo
'DISTURBING': Naomi Osaka's 'weird' message to sister
Roger Federer currently holds the record with 310, with Djokovic trailing by just two weeks.
But with World No.2 Nadal's shock loss in the Australian Open quarter-finals against Stefanos Tsitsipas, no-one can stop Djokovic from breaking Federer's record.
When the officials rankings are updated on March 8, Djokovic will remain on top for a historic 311th week.
The incredible record was something Djokovic said he was targeting as a career goal.
“This is one of my two biggest professional goals,” Djokovic said in December.
“To reach the record of, [and] surpass Roger’s record for longest [time at] No.1 and win as many slams as possible.
"I have been saying that before, so I’m working towards that.
“I’m at a good place right now, in a good position. Hopefully I can stay healthy and continue to play well.”
Djokovic also has the perfect chance to gain on Federer and Nadal's all-time record of 20 grand slam titles.
The Serbian star will face either Tsistipas or Daniil Medvedev in Sunday night's Australian Open final, with a win taking him to 18 majors.
At 33 years old, many believe Djokovic is destined to finish ahead of both Federer (39) and Nadal (34).
World No. 6 @StefTsitsipas rallies from 2 sets down to defeat No. 2 Rafael Nadal and set #AusOpen SF vs. @DaniilMedwed on Friday.
With Nadal's loss, @DjokerNole will celebrate his 311th week as World No. 1 on 8 March, passing Roger Federer for the all-time record.— ATP Media Info (@ATPMediaInfo) February 17, 2021
Tsitsipas and Medvedev in semi-final showdown
There may have been largely kind words between them in the lead-up to their Australian Open semi-final, but Djokovic didn't miss out on the chance of throwing a little petrol on the Tsitsipas-Medvedev rivalry.
Assessing Friday's match-up which will determine who he plays him in the decider, Djokovic seemed happy enough to open some old wounds.
"I know that these two guys have a history between them on and off the court a little bit - so I'm sure there's going to be a lot of intensity," said Djokovic after qualifying for the final on Thursday with a straight-sets win over Russian Aslan Karatsev.
"It's a great rivalry these guys have. I'm going to watch it and enjoy it."
Medvedev goes in as the clear favourite against Tstsipas, riding a 19-game streak and having won five of their six clashes.
The Greek did, however, win their last clash in 2019 and has pinched a set off the Russian in four of the other five encounters.
Most weeks as men's World No.1 (as of February 19)
310 - Roger Federer
308 - Novak Djokovic
286 - Pete Sampras
270 - Ivan Lendl
268 - Jimmy Connors
209 - Rafael Nadal
with AAP
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.