Roger Federer holds the record for the longest spell of consecutive weeks spent at the pinnacle of the ATP Rankings, while Novak Djokovic also features in the top five.
Here, we look at the five legends who have amassed streaks of over 100 consecutive weeks as the men’s world No 1.
5. Pete Sampras – 102 weeks (April 1996 to March 1998)
Pete Sampras overthrew Thomas Muster on April 15, 1994, after winning the Japan Open, to commence his fifth separate spell on top of the ATP Rankings.
The American retained the world No 1 position for 102 weeks until he was unseated by Marcelo Rios on March 30, 1998.
Sampras picked up 11 titles, including three majors, one ATP Finals title and two Masters crowns, during this near two-year stint in top spot.
4. Novak Djokovic – 122 weeks (July 2014 to November 2016)
Novak Djokovic‘s third and longest streak as the ATP world No 1 began when he overtook Rafael Nadal on July 7, 2014 — the day after claiming his second Wimbledon crown.
The Serbian remained at the peak of the rankings for 122 weeks, until he was leapfrogged by Andy Murray on November 7, 2016.
Djokovic won 21 ATP titles, a haul featuring five Grand Slam crowns, two ATP Finals titles and 11 Masters 1000s, in this spell at the top.
3. Ivan Lendl – 157 weeks – (September 1985 to September 1988)
Ivan Lendl started his seventh and longest stint on top of the ATP Rankings when he ousted John McEnroe from the world No 1 spot on September 9, 1985 after winning the US Open for the first time.
The Czech stayed there for 157 successive weeks until he was dethroned by Mats Wilander — who he lost to in the 1988 US Open final — on September 11, 1988.
In his unbroken three-year spell as world No 1, Lendl collected 25 titles, including four majors and three season-ending championships.
2. Jimmy Connors – 160 weeks (July 1974 to August 1977)
Jimmy Connors was world No 1 for 160 straight weeks after replacing John Newcombe to become the top-ranked player for the first time on July 29, 1974 — shortly after winning his maiden Wimbledon title.
The American’s streak was ended when he was overtaken by Bjorn Borg on August 23, 1977.
