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Published 23:28 IST, August 6th 2023

'I'm sorry': Novak Djokovic channels his witty side apologises for being World number 1

Novak Djokovic, a 23-time Grand Slam winner, was at his humorous best while taking part in a competition. The fun game was hosted by ATP.

Reported by: Prateek Arya
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'It's a fact': Novak Djokovic channels his witty side during a fun ATP game session
Novak Djokovic during a press event (Image: AP) | Image: self
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Novak Djokovic, a 23-time Grand Slam winner, was at his humorous best while taking part in a competition. He competed with his colleagues by listing players in descending order of the amount of time they had spent as the World No. 1 player. The enjoyable game session was held by the ATP to commemorate 50 years of the men's singles rankings. The maiden player to be ranked first when the list was originally created was Ilie Theodoriu Nastase of Romania on August 23, 1973.

3 things you need to know

  • Novak Djokovic has holds the record of winning most Grand Slams in history
  • Djokovic lost to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon 2023
  • Djokovic is touted as the undisputed GOAT of the sport

Also Read | Climate Protesters Briefly Interrupted A Tennis Match Between Andy Murray And Taylor Fritz In DC

Novak Djokovic jojes about his ranking

Andy Murray, Daniil Medvedev, Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev, and Ben Shelton were present with Novak Djokovic. The participants did not have a difficult time correctly identifying the Serb, who has been at the top of the list for 389 weeks. Murray, though, stumbled through it while attempting to maintain the stability of his leaderboard.

"I've broken it (board) and I've managed to rub his name off as well which is a good start. I better spell it right," the Brit said. Thiem also started the game on the right footing and said, "Number 1 is easy… Novak. He just passed also Steffi Graf. So now he is number 1 in men and women." Medvedev failed to recall the exact number of weeks Novak Djokovic has been on top. "I don't know exactly how many weeks right now but he has a lot," said the Russian.

Djokovic fittingly picked himself for the top spot and joked. "It's not about humbleness... It's a fact. I'm sorry!

Also Read | 'I’m Happy To Enjoy': Roger Federer Recalls His Pompous Wimbledon Welcome At The Royal Box

Novak Djokovic vs Roger Federer: Rivalry that lasted more than a decade

Due to his 310-week reign at the top of the ATP Ranking, Roger Federer is ranked second. The Swiss Maestro, along with Rafael Nadal, was one of Djokovic's fiercest adversaries and amassed 20 Major trophies in his professional career. On the court, the Serb faced Federer 50 times and prevailed in 27 of those encounters.

The Swiss are followed by Pete Sampras, who has held the top ATP ranking for 286 weeks. With 270 weeks, Ivan Lendl is fourth on the list. Andy Murray correctly assessed his coach's position as to be expected.
 

Updated 23:28 IST, August 6th 2023