Daniil Medvedev replaces Novak Djokovic as world number one
Daniil Medvedev succeeded Novak Djokovic as world number one on Monday, becoming the first man since 2004 outside the game’s “Big Four” of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray to occupy the top spot.
The greatest achievement in professional tennis.🙌
Congratulations @DaniilMedwed, the new #ATPRankings World No. 1🥇 pic.twitter.com/ovgz2WENY4
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 28, 2022
US Open champion Medvedev is the third Russian man after Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin, and 27th player overall, to rise to the top of the ATP rankings.
The 26-year-old Medvedev, beaten by Nadal in the Acapulco semi-finals last week, was guaranteed to move above Djokovic after the Serb’s quarter-final loss in Dubai.
Djokovic, who has spent a record 361 weeks as the world number one, was competing in his first tournament of the season following his deportation from Australia in January.
6,601 days—that’s how long Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray have held No. 1.
But the streak is over: @DaniilMedwed will be the first man other than those four to be No. 1 since Roddick on Feb. 1st, 2004.
Medvedev was just 7 years old then.
Coco Gauff wasn't even born yet.
— TENNIS (@Tennis) February 27, 2022
Alexander Zverev stayed in third despite being thrown out of the Acapulco event after smashing his racket on the umpire’s chair several times during a doubles match.
Nadal rose one place to fourth after claiming his third title of the season and 91st of his career.
¡Vamos Rafa!🇪🇸
The best start of the season for @RafaelNadal 👏@AbiertoTelcel | #AMT2022
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 27, 2022