Novak Djokovic hasn’t struck a ball in 2026 yet, and he’s already made history. Truly.
The Serbian superstar may have skipped the early ATP Tour swing after withdrawing from the Adelaide International,
but his absence hasn’t slowed his march into the record books.
Djokovic has now spent 1,000 consecutive weeks inside the ATP top 40, a staggering marker of consistency and longevity rarely seen in modern sport.
The milestone traces back to spring 2006, when a 19-year-old Djokovic broke into the top 40 shortly after reaching his first Grand Slam quarter-final at Roland Garros.
Nearly two decades later, through shifting eras, evolving surfaces and relentless physical demands, he has never once dropped out of that elite bracket.
While others have taken centre stage early this season — Daniil Medvedev winning in Brisbane and Alexander Bublik lifting the trophy in Hong Kong — Djokovic remains ever-present at the top of the game. Now 38, he sits fourth in the ATP rankings behind Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev, still firmly in the title conversation.
Djokovic’s career has spanned generations: from his early battles with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to today’s clashes with the sport’s next wave. Yet his durability has become one of his defining traits. Longevity, like silverware, is now part of his legacy.
After reaching four Grand Slam semi-finals in 2025, Djokovic enters the Australian Open chasing a historic 25th major title. His decision to prioritise Melbourne over Adelaide underlines his focus.
Time flies, but it seems like Djokovic remains a constant.
