Novak Djokovic moves ahead of Rafael Nadal on ranking age record

Novak Djokovic became world no. 1 for the first time after Wimbledon 2011, taking advantage of his incredible streak that season to leave Rafael Nadal behind him.

Almost ten years after reaching the throne for the first time, Novak is still the player to beat, keeping Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem behind him ahead of the new season that starts with the ATP Cup and the Australian Open.

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At the age of 33 years and eight months, Novak became the second-oldest world no. 1, passing Rafael Nadal and trailing only to Roger Federer, who holds the record at 36 years and ten months following that superb run in 2017 and 2018.

Andre Agassi was the leader of the pack until Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, with the greatest Open era players setting the bar high and controlling another impressive record. Novak is in an excellent position to move further away from Nadal in the following months, especially if he wins more points in Miami in March.

Djokovic claimed the ATP Cup and the Australian Open last year, looking eager to defend the titles and reduce the deficit in the GOAT race to Federer and Nadal, who are currently three Majors ahead of him.

Oldest world no. 1 players since 1973:

36y 10m - Roger Federer (2018)

33y 8m - Novak Djokovic (2021)

33y 7m - Rafael Nadal (2020)

33y 4m - Andre Agassi (2003)

30y 10m - Jimmy Connors (1983)

30y 5m - Ivan Lendl (1990)

30y 3m - Andy Murray (2017)