Tennis
Most Weeks as ATP World No.1: Djokovic, Federer & Tennis Legends Ranked
Reaching ATP World No.1 is a major milestone, but staying there demands exceptional skill, resilience, and consistency. Only the sport’s true greats can dominate across surfaces and eras while fending off constant challengers. The list of players who have spent the most weeks at No.1 reads like a roll call of tennis royalty, from Novak Djokovic's record-shattering reign to Roger Federer’s elegant mastery. At SportsBoom, we blend raw data and expert opinion to rank the ultimate kings of consistency at No.1.
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Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev/Getty Images
SB Market Index: Most Weeks as ATP World No.1
This guide ranks the tennis legends with the most weeks as ATP World No.1 using the SB Market Index, powered by performance stats and enriched with expert insights and media analysis.
Industry Insights
| Source | Novak Djokovic | Roger Federer | Pete Sampras | Ivan Lendl | Jimmy Connors | Rafael Nadal | John McEnroe | Bjorn Borg | Andre Agassi | Lleyton Hewitt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wikipedia “100 Greatest” | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| ESPN Top 20 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| JagranJosh Top 10 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| ChampionsLeague Rank | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Imago “Greatest Ever” | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Reddit Tier Lists | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Mentions | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 2 |
SB Score (Most No. of Weeks as No. 1)
Our “SB Score” statistically evaluates these champions by normalizing their total weeks as ATP World No.1 against the maximum in this group (Novak Djokovic’s 428 weeks).
| Rank | Player Name | No. of Weeks as No. 1 | SB Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Novak Djokovic | 428 | 1.000 |
| 2 | Roger Federer | 310 | 0.724 |
| 3 | Pete Sampras | 286 | 0.668 |
| 4 | Ivan Lendl | 270 | 0.631 |
| 5 | Jimmy Connors | 268 | 0.626 |
| 6 | Rafael Nadal | 209 | 0.488 |
| 7 | John McEnroe | 170 | 0.397 |
| 8 | Bjorn Borg | 109 | 0.255 |
| 9 | Andre Agassi | 101 | 0.236 |
| 10 | Lleyton Hewitt | 80 | 0.187 |
SB Market Index
| Rank | Player Name | SB Score (Value) | Industry Insights (Value) | SB Market Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Novak Djokovic | 1.000 | 6 | 5.0000 |
| 2 | Roger Federer | 0.724 | 6 | 4.9448 |
| 3 | Pete Sampras | 0.668 | 6 | 4.9336 |
| 4 | Jimmy Connors | 0.626 | 6 | 4.9252 |
| 5 | Rafael Nadal | 0.488 | 6 | 4.8976 |
| 6 | Bjorn Borg | 0.255 | 6 | 4.8510 |
| 7 | Andre Agassi | 0.236 | 6 | 4.8472 |
| 8 | Ivan Lendl | 0.631 | 5 | 4.1262 |
| 9 | John McEnroe | 0.397 | 5 | 4.0794 |
| 10 | Lleyton Hewitt | 0.187 | 2 | 1.6374 |
Spotlight on the Record Holders
Novak Djokovic (SRB)
Novak Djokovic stands alone with 428 weeks at No.1, far surpassing peers. His stints from 2011 to 2024 showcase unmatched longevity against rivals like Federer, Nadal, and younger stars. His all-court dominance, relentless defense, and mental toughness yield 24 Grand Slams and seven year-end No.1 finishes, earning him the top SB Market Index (5.000).
Roger Federer (SUI)
Roger Federer’s 310 weeks, including 237 consecutive weeks (2004–2008), defined an era of elegance. His fluid game, 20 Grand Slams, and five year-end No.1 finishes made him a global icon. Federer’s high SB Market Index (4.9448) reflects his strong weeks tally and co-leading expert recognition.
Pete Sampras (USA)
Pete Sampras ruled the 1990s with 286 weeks, powered by his serve-and-volley style. His six consecutive year-end No.1 finishes (1993–1998) and 14 Grand Slams, including seven Wimbledons, mark his dominance. His SB Market Index (4.9336) underscores his statistical and expert acclaim.
Ivan Lendl (CZE) & Jimmy Connors (USA)
Ivan Lendl’s 270 weeks were built on a punishing baseline game, with eight Grand Slams and three year-end No.1 finishes. Jimmy Connors, with 268 weeks, brought fiery intensity, holding No.1 from 1974 to 1983 with five US Opens. Their SB Market Index scores (4.1262 and 4.9252) reflect strong statistical and expert standing.
Rafael Nadal (ESP)
Rafael Nadal’s 209 weeks reflect brilliance beyond his 14 French Opens. His 22 Grand Slams across surfaces and five year-end No.1 finishes highlight his versatility. His SB Market Index (4.8976) shows his enduring expert praise despite fewer weeks than the top three.
The 100+ Week Club (McEnroe, Borg, Agassi)
John McEnroe’s 170 weeks were fuelled by volatile genius, with seven Grand Slams and four year-end No.1 finishes. Bjorn Borg’s 109 weeks came with icy composure, earning 11 Grand Slams. Andre Agassi’s 101 weeks and eight Grand Slams showed versatility, with a comeback to No.1 at 29. Their SB Market Index scores (4.0794, 4.8510, 4.8472) reflect strong expert backing.
Lleyton Hewitt (AUS)
Lleyton Hewitt’s 80 weeks, including the youngest year-end No.1 at 20 in 2001, showcased tenacious counterpunching. His two Grand Slams and two year-end No.1 finishes earn him a lower SB Market Index (1.6374) due to fewer expert mentions
The Significance of Sustained No.1 Reigns
Extended periods at No.1 reflect era-defining dominance, requiring excellence in Grand Slams, Masters, and smaller events. The pressure of being the top seed tests resilience. Players like Djokovic, navigating multiple generations, or Federer, maintaining elegance, exemplify these demands. Success across clay (Nadal), grass (Sampras), and hard courts (Agassi) highlights the versatility needed.
The Contenders: A Snapshot of No.1 Greatness
Novak Djokovic (SRB): Djokovic’s 428 weeks and 24 Grand Slams, with top SB Market Index (5.000), mark him as the ultimate No.1, blending longevity and expert acclaim.
Roger Federer (SUI): Federer’s 310 weeks, including 237 consecutive, and graceful 20 Grand Slams earn a high SB Market Index (4.9448).
Pete Sampras (USA): Sampras’s 286 weeks and 14 Grand Slams, with six year-end No.1s, secure a strong SB Market Index (4.9336).
Jimmy Connors (USA): Connors’s 268 weeks and fiery five US Opens across surfaces yield a robust SB Market Index (4.9252).
Rafael Nadal (ESP): Nadal’s 209 weeks and 22 Grand Slams across surfaces shine in the SB Market Index (4.8976).
Bjorn Borg (SWE): Borg’s 109 weeks and 11 Grand Slams, with icy precision, earn a high SB Market Index (4.8510).
Andre Agassi (USA): Agassi’s 101 weeks and eight Grand Slams, with a 1999 comeback, secure a strong SB Market Index (4.8472).
Ivan Lendl (CZE): Lendl’s 270 weeks and baseline dominance yield a solid SB Market Index (4.1262).
John McEnroe (USA): McEnroe’s 170 weeks and net mastery earn a respectable SB Market Index (4.0794).
Lleyton Hewitt (AUS): Hewitt’s 80 weeks and youthful No.1 status result in a lower SB Market Index (1.6374).
Conclusion and Disclaimer
Novak Djokovic’s record 428 weeks and top SB Market Index (5.000) set a new benchmark for ATP World No.1 greatness, while legends like Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, and Rafael Nadal leave indelible marks. From Lendl’s baseline power to Borg’s cool precision, these players defined eras. Their sustained No.1 reigns reflect enduring excellence in a fiercely competitive sport, influencing tournament seeding and betting odds.
Disclaimer: This analysis uses weeks at ATP No.1 for the SB Score and surveyed Industry Insights. Different methodologies or sources could yield different conclusions. This is for illustrative and discussion purposes.
With a decade of sports writing expertise, Nigel Naicker has crafted compelling content across football leagues like the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, as well as cricket and UFC. A passionate storyteller since 2014, Nigel joins the SportsBoom team, ready to deliver insightful narratives across various sports disciplines.