Tennis is a globally famous sport and over the year, the sport only grew grander. As a result, it gave rise to many players who dominated the sport and even became the face of the sport.
The sport is also very competitive and everyday player rises with the dream to claim the throne of Number One. Many players have claimed the title throughout the history of the sport. However, because of the nature of the sport, only a few could keep the ‘Rank 1’ title for a long period.
Every fan and younger players want to know the names, which carried the title of World Number One for the longest period. So, here is the list of the Top 10 players with most weeks at the ATP Rank 1.
#10. Lleyton Hewitt
Lleyton Hewitt is at the bottom of the Top 10 list, as he was only ranked first in the ATP Ranking for 80 weeks. Being at the bottom of the list might not seem that great, but the sport got over hundreds of players. Therefore, among so many players, being able to reach the top of the chart and staying there for so many days is a magnificent feat.
Lleyton Hewitt, 80 Weeks. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
The Australian superstar became Number One in 2001. He was just 20-years-old when claimed the title and thus became the youngest player to rank first. He won 30 titles throughout his career, among which are two Grand Slam titles at US Open and Wimbledon in 2001 and 2002, respectively.
#9. Andre Agassi
The American legend who holds so many records and also someone at the Number One for 101 weeks. Andre Agassi first became ATP No.1 in 1995 and ruled the title and stayed there for 30 weeks. However, Agassi faced some personal issues, resulting in his downfall to rank 141. The player never gave up, even when the world doubted his rise to the top. In 1999, he again raised to the title.
Andre Agassi, 101 Weeks. (Photo by Dan Smith/Getty Images)
The American is the second male player to bag all four Grand Slam after the legendary Rod Laver. Further, Agassi won 60 titles in his career. The ‘Punisher’ could have stayed in Number One and also in the sport for a few more years, but because of suffering from many health issues, the player retired in 2006.
#8. Bjorn Borg
Bjorn Borg became a teenage sensation upon turning professional and soon became World No.1 and sat on the throne for 109 weeks. The Swedish became the driving force behind the expansion of the sport in the 70s.
Bjorn Borg, 109 Weeks. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)
Borg was the first player to win 11 Grand Slam but never lifted a single title at US Open. Aside from his Grand Slam, he won a total of 66 titles. He was also the first player to claim the prize money worth over one million dollars in just a single year. However, his successful run became doom for the Swedish, as the player retired at Age 26 because of exhaustion.
#7. John McEnroe
We have another American on this list of Top 10, who claimed the title of ATP Rank 1 and with a time period of 170 weeks. John McEnroe kept the title more than anyone we have talked about so far on the list.
The American first became World No.1 in 1980 but lost his place from the top seat multiple times. As legendary names like Borg, Jimmy Connors, and Ivan Lendl became a constant threat for McEnroe.
John McEnroe, 170 Weeks. (Photo by Steve Powell/Getty Images)
The American grabbed 77 titles in his career. Among these titles were eight Grand Slam trophies. Further, he never lifted an Australian Open and French Open, only went far to play in the semi-finals and finals.
#6. Rafael Nadal
The Spaniard ranked sixth on this list, many fans would have expected him to be in the Top 3. However, Rafael Nadal was the World No.1 for 209 weeks. He claimed the seat in 2008.
Rafael Nadal, 209 Weeks. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
There is no doubt, the 34-year-old is one of the most famous players of present times on this list. Further, Rafa is the second player on this list to lift all four Grand Slam. He also earned the nickname of ‘King of Clay’ because lifting the Roland Garros a record 13 times. The Spaniard has lifted 88 titles till now and even shares the record 20 Grand Slam titles with Roger Federer.
#5. Jimmy Connors
If you are a tennis fan, then you have heard this name many times. Jimmy Connors was not only a successful player but also made a name as an excellent coach. For 268 weeks, Connors aced the ATP Rankings.
The American became the first man in history to cross the 200 weeks mark. He is also the first name on this list, who bagged more than 100 titles. Further, Connor also won eight Grand Slam. But failed to lift Roland Garros throughout his life, only playing four times in the semi-finals on the clay court.
Jimmy Connors, 200 Weeks. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
Connors had a really long career in the sport and retired at age 43. His playing style has influenced the modern era, especially the backhands. The American himself has gone through an evolution of rackets, as began his career with wood to using steel rackets and ending with graphite.
Further, Connor even coached Maria Sharapova, who also became a World No.1 in the women’s division.
#4. Ivan Lendl
Ivan Lendl is a Czech legend and the only player from his country to become the Number One player in the world. He ranked first on the ATP Rankings for 270 weeks. He is one of the two players who earned Rank 1 prior to claiming any Grand Slam.
Ivan Lendl, 270 Weeks. (Photo by Steve Powell/Getty Images
Lendl won 94 titles in his successful career and won eight major titles. The Chech brought a new flavor to the sport, his style influenced the aggressive baseline power tennis and the use of more forehand with heavy topspins.
Ivan Lendl not only had a successful career as a player but also a magnificent coaching career. He trained the British pro, Andy Murray, who also sat on the throne of Number One.
#3. Pete Sampras
Pete Sampras is the most successful American tennis player on this list. He was the World No.1 for 286 weeks, which got him the place on top 3. However, he is still far from the Top 2 in most weeks as ATP Rank 1.
Pete Sampras, 286 Weeks. (Photo by Professional Sport/ Getty Images)
Sampras has lifted 64 titles throughout her long career. He even won 14 Grand Slam in his career, winning his 14th title in his last appearance at the major event, he’s the only player to this date, who accomplished the feat.
He made his way to number one because of his talent. During his days as a player, opponents feared his precise and strong serves. Further, Sampras even earned the nickname ‘Pistol Pete’.
#2. Roger Federer
Roger Federer is the most famous name on this Top 10 list and even hailed as the Greatest of All Time. King Federer wore the crown of ATP Rank 1 for 310 weeks, the first player in the history of tennis to cross 300 weeks and only defeated by the Ace of this list. However, Roger has a record 237 consecutive weeks as Number One, which even the Ace of this list couldn’t top.
The Swiss pro has the most magnificent records on this list. He won 103 titles, and the second player on this list to cross 100 titles. Federer has also won all four Grand Slam and also won them for a record 20 times, which he shares with his Spanish rival Nadal.
Roger Federer, 300 Weeks. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Federer is the most influential player on this list, who is without a doubt the greatest force in the modern era to promote the sport. Many elite players have commented him to be an all-rounder, who can play on all types of court. However, his dominance on grass is next to none, which also earned him the name ‘King of Grass’.
#1. Novak Djokovic
The two members of the ‘Big Three’ already appeared on this list and thus leaves the last remaining member of the trio to feature here. Novak Djokovic without any queries is the winner of this list. The Serbian has been the World Number One for record 324 weeks and he’s the current No.1.
Djokovic is one of the most successful players aside from his rivals Nadal and Federer. Novak deserved to be in the top place because for the past decade, the Serb has dominated the court. He won 82 titles, among which are 18 Grand Slam titles, next to the shared record of 20 major titles next to Rafa and Roger.
Novak Djokovic, 324 Weeks. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Further, Nole is the king of the Australian hard court, as he the Australian Open trophy for a record nine times. Djokovic is even recognized as the only player to win all “Big Titles” in ATP Tour (all four Grand Slam, all nine ATP Masters, and the ATP Finals).
Novak Djokovic is still dominating the sport in the ongoing season and seems like there is not a single player to top the #1 on this list at the moment.
Conclusion
There is no doubt the names which appeared on this list deserved to be Number One because of their talent and hard work. However, tennis is a competitive sport and grows grander with each passing day and many new players rise. Therefore, in the future, we might even witness some new names on this list or even some changes in the ranking orders of this list.
