Novak Djokovic record ‘unbelievable’ as Barbara Schett backs him to ‘get over 400 weeks’ at world No. 1

Eurosport’s Barbara Schett has backed Novak Djokovic to “get over 400 weeks” at world No. 1 after he surpassed Steffi Graf’s record with his 378th week at the top spot in the ATP world rankings.

Schett, who looked up to Graf when she was a player with the legendary WTA star an icon of the sport, cannot believe what Djokovic has achieved in surpassing the German’s extraordinary feat.

“Novak Djokovic being the world No. 1 for 378 weeks is seven years, which is unbelievable,” Schett told Eurosport.

“He has surpassed Steffi Graf, who for me was always an idol and a role model.

“I had so much respect for her because I played against her and I played in that era. I never thought that somebody would break her record. Now that has happened with Novak, which is phenomenal.

“When he won the Australian Open at the beginning of the year and he became the No. 1 in the world again, I was thinking ‘how is that possible?’

“Last year, two out of the four Grand Slams he was not able to play, then the one he won at Wimbledon he did not get any points.

“So pretty much without playing in three Grand Slams, he became world No. 1 again. I think that says a lot about Novak Djokovic and tells you how good he is.

“I don’t see this being the end to him being the world No. 1 as I think he will get over 400 weeks.

“He is still the one to beat at the moment and is the most consistent player out there. He has really, really deserved this.

“It is phenomenal what he has achieved, and he rightfully has the record.”

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