Djokovic Claims All-Time Rankings Record

Novak Djokovic has claimed the all-time rankings record after surpassing Steffi Graf's record for the most weeks as world number one.

The 22-time major winner overtook Graf after starting his 378th week at the top of the men's rankings.

I'm flattered, proud and happy," said the 35-year-old Serb.

He added that Graf was "one of the greatest, most legendary tennis players that ever played."

While Germany's Graf first rose to the top of the women's rankings in 1987 and initially remained there for 186 consecutive weeks,  the Serbian first became world number in 2011 and has since ended the year in first place in the rankings a record seven times.

Djokovic once managed a best run of 122 consecutive weeks at the top, between July 2014 and November 2016, but trailed Roger Federer, Graf and Serena Williams, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl.

He however returned to world number one for the first time in six months by winning the Australian Open for a record-extending 10th time in January.