All the work is ‘paying off’ after becoming oldest world No.1 in history – Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic has claimed that all the work is paying off after he became the oldest World No.1 in tennis history. Djokovic, 36, is going strong at the top level and has proved there is still some fuel left in his old tank.

Djokovic had a spectacular run in 2023, winning the Australian Open, Roland Garros and the US Open. The Serbian made it to the semifinal of the Australian Open 2024 but could not defend his title as he lost to eventual champion Jannik Sinner.

The veteran is well known to work hard on his fitness and takes care of his body to reap rewards. Djokovic has produced the goods on the court and he will want to carry the same form.

Djokovic has 9725 official points in PIF ATP rankings and he is at the top of the standings.

Djokovic kick-started his Monte Carlos Masters on a high as he defeated Roman Safiullin convincingly by 6-1, 6-2.

“I’m very pleased; even in the games that I lost, I had break points in those. It was a really good match to start the clay season, which has always been a little bit up and down for me.

“I started off well in this tournament last year and then I lost the second match. I hope to maintain this rhythm, I have a day of training tomorrow and then I’m hoping to come back with the same aptitude and quality of tennis.”

Djokovic also met India’s Rohan Bopanna (44), who is the oldest No.1 in doubles.

“I met Bopanna yesterday who is the oldest [men’s] doubles number one in history,” said Djokovic. “He said that we have a combined age of 80!

“He does contribute to the 80 more than I do. But to still compete at the highest level and be number one in the world at almost 37 is not something I dreamt or planned to become a reality.”

Djokovic, who now wears the Court FF 3 shoes, concluded, “But all the work and dedication to the sport in the end, and to body and staying fit, is paying off. I’m able to maintain that longevity and extend my career for years and years.”

Djokovic won the opening set against Lorenzo Musetti in the round of 16 at the Monte Carlo Masters.