Novak Djokovic is waiting for positive news on whether he can able to play in the Australian Open next year. But he doesn't regret his status of being unvaccinated against Covid-19 despite missing two Grand Slams this year.

Also read: Roger Federer's last match: When and where to watch Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's doubles match in Laver Cup

"No, I don't have any regrets, I mean, I do feel sad that I wasn't able to play, but, you know, that was decision that I made," Djokovic told reporters on Thursday on the eve of the Laver Cup in London.

The 35-year-old was unable to defend his Australian Open in January. The Australian government kicked him out because of his unvaccinated status. Djokovic was cleared to play at the French Open and Wimbledon, winning the latter tournament. But he couldn't participate in the US Open due to US entry rules on unvaccinated foreigners. Speaking ahead of the Laver Cup 2022 in London on Thursday, Djokovic was asked about the probability of playing at the Australian Open in January. Australian laws generally state that anyone deported cannot reapply for a visa for three years unless there are exceptional circumstances.

"I'm waiting for the news, it's really not in my hands right now. I'm hoping I can get some positive news soon." Djokovic added.

Novak Djokovic won the Wimbledon title this year. And since then he has not participated in any ATP tournaments. He is currently seventh in the ATP rankings due to his lack of activity.

Also read: Novak Djokovic says, "I'm not against vaccination, but my body is more important than any title"

Seeking to put a difficult year behind him, Djokovic appeared happy to be at the Laver Cup in the British capital where Federer will make his last professional appearance in a doubles match with Nadal on Friday. Djokovic could also link up with Federer and Nadal at some point as their Europe team take on Team World at the three-day tournament in London.

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic will play the US Open 2025 semifinals against Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz on Friday.

Novak Djokovic has played in the US Open final ten times in his career, and at the age of 38, he will have the opportunity to fight for the title for the 11th time at the last Grand Slam of the season. To achieve this, he first needs to defeat Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who only reached the US Open final in 2022, when he won the tournament.

Also Read: Most US Open Titles (Male and Female)

Alcaraz's journey to the semifinal

Carlos Alcaraz thrilled Arthur Ashe Stadium with a dominant display against Jiri Lehecka on Tuesday, cruising into the semifinals of the US Open for the second time in his career. The 22-year-old Spaniard won 6-4, 6-2, 6-4, mixing flair with power and engaging the crowd with finger wags, ear-cupping gestures, and highlight-reel net play.

The victory marks Alcaraz’s first hard-court semifinal at a Grand Slam since his breakthrough US Open triumph in 2023. He is now a nine-time major semifinalist, joining rarefied company at such a young age, only Rafael Nadal (10) has reached more before turning 23.

Djokovic's journey to the semifinal

Novak Djokovic has defeated Taylor Fritz in four sets in Tuesday night’s other quarterfinal. The semifinal will be their first meeting at the US Open since Alcaraz’s breakthrough victory in 2023.

Djokovic, 38, leads their head-to-head 5-3 and has won the last two matchups in the Australian Open quarterfinals in January and in the Paris Olympics final, where he claimed the long-awaited gold medal.

Also Read: US Open Champion: Last 10 years List (Men)

US Open 2025: Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz Head-to-head

The Serbian ace and the Spaniard are meeting for the ninth time. In the previous eight matches, Novak won five times, and Carlos three times. Their last match was in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open this year, when the Serbian ace was better. It was also their only match this year. This will also be their first time playing at the US Open.

• Mutua Madrid Open 2022: Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz's head-to-heads began in 2022 at the Mutua Madrid Open. Alcaraz was crowned winner of the Mutua Madrid Open in 2022. Before beating Alexander Zverev in the final, he faced Novak Djokovic in the previous match, just after beating Rafael Nadal for the first time. He also became the youngest player to reach the final of the Mutua.
• French Open 2023 Semifinal: The clay of Roland Garros hosted the first duel between Alcaraz and Djokovic in a Grand Slam. Alcaraz was cramping in his right hand and quadriceps. Even so, he held on to the court, but the rest of the match was a walkover for Djokovic.
• Wimbledon 2023 Final: A month later, Alcaraz and Djokovic met again, this time in the Wimbledon final. Alcaraz became the third youngest player in the Open Era to be crowned at the cathedral after four hours and 42 minutes.
• Cincinnati Open 2023 Final: Cincinnati hosted the first hard-court duel between Djokovic and Alcaraz, with the title at stake. Djokovic won in the tiebreak to claim victory in 3 hours and 49 minutes. It was the longest final in Ohio history and the longest three-set final since 1990.
• ATP Finals 2023 Semifinals: The semi-finals of the 2023 ATP Finals saw the least close encounter between Djokovic and Alcaraz to date. The Serb won in straight sets 6-3, 6-2.
• Wimbledon 2024 Final: For the second year in a row, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz were fighting for the title at the London tournament. Alcaraz dominated from start to finish and overpowered his rival in three sets in two hours and 30 minutes. He won his fourth Grand Slam title and became the sixth man to complete the Roland Garros-Wimbledon double.
• Paris Olympics 2024 Final: 21 days after Wimbledon, Alcaraz and Djokovic met in the final of the Paris Olympics. Novak was looking for gold to give more luster to his record. He saved as many as eight break points in the first set and won the game 7-6(3), 7-6(2).
• Australian Open 2025 Quarterfinals: The last duel between Alcaraz and Djokovic came at the last Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of this year. They met in the quarter-finals. Djokovic won the match despite physically touched after a stretch to reach a ball. 

The US Open is one of the most prestigious Grand Slam tournaments in a tennis calendar year. A title at the Flushing Meadows is a matter of pride for any tennis player. Since the dawn of the Open Era in 1968, the US Open has stood as one of the toughest battlegrounds in tennis. It has been played on hard courts since 1978, making it a true test of speed, stamina, and shot-making. The US Open is not only a highlight of the tennis calendar but also one of the most-watched sporting events in the world.

The tournament has gone on to witness several players crowned as champions. They have had proved both mental strength and physical prowess.

Let's have a look the male and female singles tennis players with most US Open titles.

Also Read: US Open Champion: Last 10 years List (Men)

Most US Open Titles (Male and Female)

10. Martina Navratilova | 4

Martina Navratilova, famous for her attacking game and net play. She was a complete player who could adapt to different conditions and was a fierce rival to Chris Evert. Navratilova’s rivalry with Evert remains one of the greatest in tennis history. 

Navratilova won four of the eight finals she featured in at the US Open from 1981 to 1991. To secure her titles, the Czech-American great beat Chris Evert in 1983 and 1984, Helena Sukova in 1986 and Steffi Graf in 1987.

9. Novak Djokovic | 4

Similar to Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic was also a part of the famous “Big Three,” which collectively dominated men’s tennis for nearly two decades. Djokovic won his first US Open in 2011, defeating Rafael Nadal. He followed this with victories in 2015, 2018, and 2023.

His 24 Grand Slam titles are the most in history, and when combined with the Australian Open, Djokovic has a record 14 major championship titles on the hard court. 

8. Rafael Nadal | 4

Rafael Nadal is often regarded as one of the most decorated professional tennis players in the sport’s history. He holds a place alongside Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the famous “Big Three”.

While he is best known for his phenomenal achievements on the clay at Roland-Garros, the Spaniard has four championships in the United States and a fantastic 4-1 record in the final. Nadal’s first US Open victory came in 2010, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final. His incredible physicality and relentless style of play have served him well at Flushing Meadows, leading to further victories in 2013, 2017, and 2019. 

7. John McEnroe | 4

John McEnroe is another of the great American players who thrived at his home major along with Sampras and Connors. Like Nadal, he made five US Open finals and won four of them. 

He dominated his home turf, winning four titles during the early 1980s. His four finals produced wins against Vitas Gerulaitis, fierce rival Björn Borg (twice) and Ivan Lendl, before Lendl turned the tables on him in 1985.

6. Roger Federer | 5

Roger Federer not only won the US Open five times, but he achieved this feat in five consecutive years. Between 2004 and 2008, Federer won five successive US Open singles titles, a feat unmatched by any player in the Open Era at the tournament. 

From 2003 to 2007, he also won the Wimbledon title five times on-the-trot, a record only matched by Bjorn Borg. No other tennis player has won two separate Grand Slams five times in-a-row.

Also Read: US Open 2025: Stars to Watch Out– Youth vs Experience

5. Pete Sampras | 5

Pete Sampras was known for his serve, often considered the greatest in the history of tennis. He won US Open five times (1990, 1993, 1995-96, 2002). In a fairytale ending, Sampras’ 2002 US Open victory was the final match of his 15-year career. Sampras’ thunderous serve and fearless net play made him nearly unstoppable in New York.

4. Steffi Graf | 5

Steffi Graf prevailed in five of the eight title matches she contested at the US Open between 1987 and 1996. For her championship match victories, the German icon overcame Gabriela Sabatini in 1988, Navratilova in 1989, Sukova in 1993, and Monica Seles in 1995 and 1996.

3. Jimmy Connors | 5

The fierce Jimmy Connors won eight major singles championships, which included a joint-record five US Opens. His five US Open titles were won across three different surfaces: grass, clay, and hard courts. He finished as the year-end No.1 five times in his career.

2. Serena Williams | 6

Serena Williams claimed six titles from the nine finals she reached at her home Grand Slam across a 20-year period from 1999 to 2019. In her successful title matches, Williams downed Martina Hingis in 1999, Venus Williams in 2002, Jelena Jankovic in 2008, Victoria Azarenka in 2012 and 2013, and Caroline Wozniacki in 2014.

Also Read: US Open Champion: Last 10 years list (Women)

1. Chris Evert | 6

Evert was the first woman to win more than three US Open titles in the Open Era. She won six of the nine championship matches she competed in between 1975 and 1984. For her wins in finals, Evert defeated Goolagong in 1975 and 1976, Wendy Turnbull in 1977, Pam Shriver in 1978 and Hana Mandlikova in 1980 and 1982. 

The American legend is the only woman to win the US Open on different surfaces: green clay (1975-1977) and hard courts (1978, 1980 and 1982).

The US Open Championships is one of the oldest tennis championships in the world. It is also known as the U.S. National Championship. It is a hardcourt tennis tournament held annually in Queens, New York.

The tournament first started in 1987, which consisted of five primary championships: men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles. The tournament has been chronologically the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of the year. The other three are the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. 

Jannik Sinner defeated Taylor Fritz in the US Open 2024 final to become the first male player from Italy to clinch the title. Moreover, the 23-year-old Italian star also becomes just the second US Open Men's Singles champion to be born after the year 2000. Only Carlos Alcaraz has managed to achieve the feat before him in 2022.

So, are you ready for the final Grand Slam of the season? With just a few days to go until the start of this year's tournament, let's have a look at the men's US Open champion list from the last 10 years.

Also Read: US Open 2025 Schedule, Fixture and Streaming Details

1. 2015 US Open Champion | Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic once again became a hindrance to Roger Federer's record 18th Grand Slam win. The 34-year-old Federer once again reached the final and lost the title battle and that too to Djokovic in US Open 2015. It was Federer's second defeat at the hands of Djokovic in the final in New York.

Djokovic defeated Federer 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in a rain-stopped title fight. This was Djokovic's third Grand Slam win in 2015. Earlier, he had won the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

2. 2016 US Open Champion | Stan Wawrinka

Stan Wawrinka made a big upset in the final of the US Open 2016 to capture his third Grand Slam title. Third seed Wawrinka defeated top seed Novak Djokovic to win the US Open title for the first time. Swiss tennis player defeated defending champion Djokovic in the final, 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 7-5, 6-3, over 12-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic in a match that lasted nearly four hours.

With this win, Wawrinka took the number of her Grand Slam titles to three. Prior to this, Wawrinka won the Australian Open in 2014 and the French Open in 2015. Moreover, after the win, Wawrinka became the oldest player to win the US Open in 46 years. Earlier, Pete Sampras won the US Open at the age of 30.

3. 2017 US Open Champion | Rafael Nadal

Spain's Rafael Nadal, the world's number one male tennis player, proved his dominance in the US Open 2017 by capturing the title. Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson of South Africa 6-3, 6-4 in the final in New York. This was Nadal's 16th Grand Slam title.

Nadal had previously won the US Open in 2010 and 2013 as well. Nadal has also won the French Open 10 times (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017), Wimbledon twice (2008, 2010) and the Australian Open (2009).

4. 2018 US Open Champion | Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic defeated Juan Martin del Potro to win his third US Open title and equaled Pete Sampras' 14 Grand Slam titles. Novak Djokovic, who played the US Open final for the eighth time, won by 6.3, 7.65, 6.3.

Djokovic has also won titles here in 2011 and 2015 and was three behind Rafael Nadal and six behind Roger Federer in terms of Grand Slam titles. The Serbian player did not play the previous year due to an elbow injury. Djokovic also won the Wimbledon title that year.

Also Read: US Open 2025: Stars to Watch Out– Youth vs Experience

5. 2019 US Open Champion | Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 to win the US Open 2019 title for the fourth time in a marathon match of five sets that lasted almost five hours.

With this win, Nadal captured the 19th title of his career and the fourth title of the US Open. Prior to this, he won the US Open title in 2010, 2013, and 2017. It was his second Grand Slam title that year. Nadal also won the French Open that year.

6. 2020 US Open Champion | Dominic Thiem

The US Open 2020 got its new champion after six years. Germany's Alexander Zverev and Austria's Dominic Thiem both reached the finals of the US Open for the first time. Dominic Thiem defeated Alexander Zverev 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (6) in the final match of the men's category at the US Open 2020 to capture the title for the first time. It was the first time, the winner was decided through a tiebreaker.

It was also the first time in sixteen years, that the Big Three (Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic) were not included in the Grand Slam semi-finals. Rafael Nadal did not participate because of the Corona epidemic. Federer is on rest after two knee operations while Djokovic was ruled out for inadvertently hitting a line judge in the pre-quarters.

7. 2021 US Open Champion | Daniil Medvedev

In a match that lasted 2 hours and 16 minutes, Daniil Medvedev defeated Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in straight sets. This was the first Grand Slam title of the Russian tennis star. Medvedev won that match 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. With this first big win, he washed away many of Novak Djokovic's dreams.

If Novak Djokovic had won the US Open 2021 title, he would have been the first male player to win the career Grand Slam after 52 years. The world number one Serbian tennis star had captured all three of the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and French Open that year. But, Medvedev became an obstacle for him on the way to the US Open.

8. 2022 US Open Champion | Carlos Alcaraz

The 19-year-old, Carlos Alcaraz has become the second youngest player in the Open Era after American great Pete Sampras. Pete Sampras won the US Open title in 1990 at the age of 19. Alcaraz defeated Casper Ruud to win his first Grand Slam title at the US Open 2022. The tournament has got the youngest champion after 32 years.

Carlos defeated Casper Ruud of Norway 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-3 in the final of the US Open 2022 to win his first Grand Slam title and become the world number one player for the first time. With this win, Alcaraz has replaced Daniil Medvedev of Russia to take the number one spot.

9. 2023 US Open Champion | Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic clinched his fourth US Open men's singles title, defeating Daniil Medvedev in the US Open 2023 final. After that, he has equaled Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles. With Roger Federer retired and Rafael Nadal planning to step away after the next season, the era of the 'Big Three' in tennis may be fading, but Djokovic, the last member of that triumvirate, proved his enduring prowess.

Moreover, the 36-year-old matched Nadal's 22 major titles in Australia and claimed the men's record by winning the Roland Garros. A loss to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon made Djokovic ponder a generational shift but his victories in Cincinnati and at Flushing Meadows reaffirmed his dominance in men's tennis for the time being.

Also Read: US Open Champion: Last 10 years (Women)

10. 2024 US Open Champion | Jannik Sinner

World No.1 tennis player Jannik Sinner won the US Open 2024 men's singles title. The Italian star defeated America's Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 in the final. He becomes the first male player from Italy to win the US Open title. In 2015, Italy's Flavia Pennetta won the women's singles title. with this win, Sinner also managed to double his lead to number one in the ATP rankings.

It is the 23-year-old's second Grand Slam title. Sinner also won the Australia Open in early 2024. Sinner has also reached the semi-finals of this year's French Open and the quarter-finals of Wimbledon. He becomes just the second US Open Men's Singles champion to be born after the year 2000. Only Carlos Alcaraz has managed to achieve the feat before him in 2022.

We’re gearing up for the final Grand Slam of the season as the world’s best tennis stars head to New York for the US Open 2025. The tournament is staged at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre in Flushing Meadows, the largest tennis complex in the world.

Boasting an impressive 33 courts, including the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, the world-class facility has been home to the US Open every year since 1978 and is located in the heart of New York City.

So, before the start of the final Grand Slam of the year, let's have a look some of the star players, on whom everyone's eyes will be on.

Also Read: Women in Sports: Highest-paid women athletes in the world [2025]

US Open 2025: Stars to Watch Out

Carlos Alcaraz

Winning five trophies and nearly flawless performance in 48 of 54 games, Carlos Alcaraz has stunned in the 2025 season. However, on July 13 in London at Wimbledon, world number one Jannik Sinner defeated Alcaraz 4‑6, 6‑4, 6‑4, 6‑4 to win his first Wimbledon title and his fourth Grand Slam overall.

Now Alcaraz opted out of the Canadian Open in Toronto (July 27–Aug 7) to recover from minor muscle issues and focus on training for the US Open starting August 24. Alcaraz will even out their year-to-date tally and avenge his Wimbledon loss.

Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner returned to action strongly this season. After a runner-up finish to Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros, he defeated the Spaniard to win his maiden Wimbledon title earlier this month. With a Grand Slam title under his belt and renewed momentum, Sinner will look to carry his form into the US hard-court season, where his previous best at the US Open was a quarterfinal finish in 2022. 

The return of Ferrara could provide the stability and familiarity Sinner needs as he aims to build on his breakthrough year. Sinner has also reappointed his former fitness coach, Umberto Ferrara, as quick as he begins preparations for the US Open.

Coco Gauff

Coco Gauff achieved a career-defining moment at the 2023 US Open, winning her maiden Grand Slam singles title. As a 19-year-old American, she delighted the home crowd by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set final (2-6, 6-3, 6-2). This victory marked her as the first American teenager since Serena Williams in 1999 to win the US Open singles crown, solidifying her status as a major force in women's tennis.

That is why, Gauff is a fan favorite with strong baseline play and mental toughness.

Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu is a former Grand Slam champion, but she hasn’t had an easy ride of things over the last few years. In 2021, Raducanu shocked the world when she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title at the US Open. Since then, the Briton has struggled to stay fit on the WTA Tour and has been widely criticized for her frequent coaching changes.

Things seemed to have clicked in 2025; however, as working alongside Mark Petchey, Raducanu has picked up several big wins. With the US Open less than a month away, Raducanu is on the verge of a major breakthrough, which could put her in contention to win her second Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows.

Also Read: US Open 2025 Schedule, Fixture and Streaming Details

US open 2025: Experienced Campaigners

Novak Djokovic

This is where the rankings diverge from methodology, as Novak Djokovic is ranked below three much-younger players but still, in my view, has a better chance in five-set matches. Djokovic got annihilated by Sinner in the Wimbledon Semifinal, and it looks more and more like the GOAT doesn’t have a prayer against men’s tennis’ new royalty. 

But I’d still probably pick him against any of the other 62 players in the tournament, a testament to how much his game has endured his older age.

Daniil Medvedev

This is the guy that beat Djokovic in the 2021 US Open Final when he was going for the calendar Grand Slam, and he’s just been unable to hack it this year. I don’t know what happened, but there’s no way it can stay this bad.

ATP & WTA Rankings cater to men's singles and doubles players and women's singles and doubles players, respectively. Rankings can be regarded as the ultimate expression of a player's abilities on the field and their current form. Throughout the years, many players have been successful in climbing up the ranking ladder whilst others have fallen short of expectations.

Staying consistent isn't easy, and at times it is impossible to hold the rank with new faces coming into the field. At first glance, it appears impossible. However, in this article, we shall discuss players who have lived up to the adage "Impossible means I'm Possible."

#10. Martina Hingis- 209 Weeks

When it comes to Martina Hingis, her accomplishments know no boundaries. The Swiss star has proven her mettle since winning the Australian Open at the tender age of 16 and reaching the top spot in 1997 at the same age.

Hingis held on to the number-one ranking for 80 consecutive weeks until she was overtaken by Lindsay Davenport in 1998. This was a month after losing to the Americans in the US Open final.

However, regardless of what happened, Hingis refused to give up and snatched the top spot from Davenport in 1999. As a result, she spent a total of 209 weeks as the number one player, but as fate would have it, Jennifer Capriati ascended the ladder to dethrone her.

Probably, She could have been the greatest female tennis player the world had ever seen, but she became enamoured with modelling and was never able to regain her form or ranking. "Fate is a cruel mistress, isn't it? " We ponder at times.

#9. Chris Evert- 260 Weeks

Whilst talking about her achievements, our words would fall inadequate. After all, This American legend holds the honour of being the first woman to officially be recognised as world number one. What an accomplishment! Over nine spells at the top of the women's tennis pile, Evert accumulated 260 weeks in the number one position.

From 1976 until 1985, Evert was in a constant battle for the top spot with Martina Navratilova. However, after years of jaw-dropping collisions, the 'Ice Maiden's ' reign came to an end with Martina fetching the spot. Moreover, Chris Evert's Wonderful journey also earned her a place in our list of ATP & WTA Rankings.

Read more: ATP Tour records: Most titles in tennis career (men's)

#8. Jimmy Conors- 268 Weeks

If you're a tennis enthusiast, you've probably heard this name before. Jimmy Connors has a reputation as a great coach in addition to being a successful player. He also dominated the ATP Rankings for 268 weeks.

The American became the first man in history to cross the 200-week mark. He is also the first person on this list of ATP & WTA Rankings to have won over 100 awards. In addition, Connor has won eight Grand Slams. However, he never managed to win Roland Garros in his life, only reaching the semi-finals four times on the clay court.

Connors retired at the age of 43 after a long career in the sport. His playing technique, particularly his backhands, has inspired the modern era indeed. Also, he coached Maria Sharapova, who rose to World No. 1 in the women's category under his tutelage.

#7. Ivan Lendl- 270 Weeks

Ivan Lendl is a Czech icon who is the only player from his country to ever reach the top of the world rankings. For 270 weeks, he was the top player in the ATP Rankings. He is one of only two players to achieve Rank 1 before winning a Grand Slam.

After ascending to the throne in February 1983, the Czech ruled for a total of 29 weeks before embarking on his three-year reign. He won five of his eight Slam victories over this period of almost 150 weeks, as well as reaching the Wimbledon final twice, in 1986 and 1987, the only times he did so.

Lendl became known as the "Man Who Revolutionized Tennis" after winning eight major titles and 94 titles. He pioneered aggressive baseline power tennis (which can now be observed in Rafael Nadal's game), as well as a combination of forehand and topspin.

Aside from his playing accomplishments, he went on to become a successful coach for Scottish tennis star Andy Murray, guiding him to the number one ranking.

#6. Pete Sampras- 286 Weeks

Pete Sampras is one of the most successful American tennis players on this list. He was the World No.1 for 286 weeks. From April 15, 1996, to March 30, 1998, Sampras held the top spot in the ATP rankings for the longest time.

During his long career, Sampras has won 64 titles. He even won 14 Grand Slam titles over his career, including his 14th on his final appearance at the major event; he is the only player to have done so to date.

Because of his abilities, he rose to the top of the charts and got a place in our list of ATP & WTA Rankings. Opponents dreaded his precise and powerful serves during his playing days. Sampras was even given the moniker 'Pistol Pete'.

Read more: Top 10 fastest serves in Tennis history (ATP recognised)

#5. Roger Federer- 310 Weeks

Roger Federer has won everyone's hearts with his tremendous tennis skills. Fans even gave him the nickname 'The swiss maestro', impressed by the proficiency of his craft. Is there anything that this man hasn't gained? A simple answer would be hatred.

The Swiss maestro is adored by everyone on the planet. With his balletic movements in the court, his poised serves, and his Always-smiling face, he holds a special position in every ardent tennis fan's heart.

King Federer wore the crown of ATP Rank 1 for 310 weeks, the first male player in the history of tennis to cross 300 weeks. He also has a record of 237 straight weeks as Number One.

Accompanied by his utter dominance on grass, Federer earned the title 'King of grass'. To date, he and Martina Navratilova remain the ultimate king and queen in Wimbledon. Moreover, He is regarded as the G.O.A.T. in men's tennis due to his incredible abilities on the court.

#4. Serena Williams- 319 Weeks

Can you believe the 23-time Slam champion first topped the women's rankings on July 8, 2002, when she was only 20 years old? Well, neither can we. After achieving such a record, the young American remained in first place for nearly a year, 57 weeks to be exact, while she won Wimbledon, the US Open and the Australian Open consecutively before adding a second Wimbledon to bring her total Slam tally to five.

From August 2003 to September 2008, Williams was not ranked number one at all. Meanwhile, the top spot changed hands 19 times between seven different women. However, her poised serve, and outstanding netplay propelled her back to the top rank for a month.

In addition, the amazing lady owns the record for the longest streak, which is 186 weeks. As a result of this, she linked hands with Steffi Graf.

Her list of accomplishments is certainly impressive, but there is one more feather that she may be able to introduce to her cap. That is winning 2 more grand slams and in the process, passing Margaret Court as the highest grand slam winner in tennis history (Both men's and women's). However, only time will tell if the 'Momma Smash' is capable of accomplishing such a feat.

#3. Martina Navratilova- 332 Weeks

The situation was not easy for 'The Wimbledon queen,' as her long-time adversary Chris Evert was not willing to give her a field in the WTA rankings. However, after much hard work, Navratilova was able to achieve the top ranking in July 1978. She dethroned Evert from the top, ending her 113-week reign.

In 1978, the 18-time Grand Slam champion won her first Grand Slam and first Wimbledon victory, which propelled her to the top of the rankings.

Well, after all of her hard work, it was finally time for her to bask in the glory of her accomplishments. Therefore, she went on to enjoy nine overall spells at world number one. She was last ranked in that position in August 1987, when she had 16 Slam singles wins under her belt. Her wonderful records placed her in the 3rd position in our list of ATP & WTA Rankings.

#2. Stefi Graff- 377 Weeks

Now, this brings us to the number 1 spot holder on our list of ATP & WTA Rankings. Honestly, our list can't be completed without her. Steffi Graf is a name to reckon with in the world of tennis. Often regarded as the greatest of all time, there might not be a lot of records in the book that the champion player hasn't broken.

Winner of as many as 22 Grand Slam titles, Steffi's presence was enough to send shivers down the spine of her opponents. Steffi's versatility and dominance across different surfaces made her the fan favourite. The extent of the German tennis star's dominance can be gauged by the fact that she held the world's No. 1 ranking for 377 weeks.

Graf first rose to the top of the rankings in August 1987. After breaking the reigning of Evert and Navratilova, Graf enjoyed 186 weeks in the top position on her first spell. Also, the 'Fraulein forehand' didn't just stop there. She went on to create history by completing the Calendar Golden Slam of winning all four Majors and the Olympic gold medal in 1988.

Graf achieved such a performance that the phrase "Golden Slam" was coined. Furthermore, with these accomplishments on her side, she went on to spend 377 weeks as the World's No. 1 tennis player, an astonishing record that remains untouched to date.

#1. Novak Djokovic- 428 Weeks

The 1 member of the 'Big Three' already appeared on this list and thus it leaves the second member of the trio to feature here. Novak Djokovic has been the World Number One for a record 428 weeks while he has won 100 tour-level titles and overtook Stefi Graff's record. Djokovic climbed to No. 1 for the first time in 4 July 2011.

Aside from his rivals Nadal and Federer, Djokovic is one of the most successful players. He deserved to be at the top since he has dominated the court for the past decade. He is also considered to be the 'King of the Australian Open' due to winning the trophy 10 times. Astonishing, isn't it? The Serbian tennis player became the No.1 tennis player for the 11th time on January 11, 2023, as a result of his 4th US Open title.

Note: Stats are up to date till 23/07/2025. Written by Pritha Ghosh and states are updated by Koushik Biswas and Payal Debnath