Former world No 2 Alex Corretja described Novak Djokovic’s latest feat as “very unique” and admitted that he as a former player just cannot understand how the Serb managed to reach 378 weeks as the world No 1. In 2021, Djokovic surpassed Roger Federer for the most weeks spent at the world No 1 in men’s tennis.
This week, 35-year-old Djokovic surpassed Stefi Graff for the most weeks spent at the top spot by either a male or female. This Monday, Djokovic entered a record-breaking 378th week as the world No 1. Corretja, a former two-time French Open finalist, believes it is absolutely astonishing what Djokovic has been able to achieve.
Corretja in awe of Djokovic’s latest record
“I’m going to tell you the truth: as a former player, I really cannot understand how he can manage to do that for so many weeks. I grew up looking up to Steffi Graf and watching her all the time, practising hard.
I was always wondering how difficult it must be to keep such a high level for so many weeks in your life. But now with this from Novak, it is unheard of. It is something that is even difficult to understand for people who have played the same sport.
This is very unique. It shows so much love for tennis and so much respect for himself – and in the end, for the sport in general because you need to take care of yourself a lot.You need to be careful about what you eat, the recovery and the way you prepare for yourself.
So that is why I am very impressed. The thing is, I think he wants to keep going. It is not like this is going to be it. No, I think he is going to set the bar even higher,” Corretja told Eurosport. At the start of the season, Djokovic won the Australian Open to tie Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slams. Djokovic’s next goal will be to beat out Nadal in the Grand Slam race.
