For more than 18 years, its top ATP ranking belonged to Big 4 (Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray) to Daniel Medvedev ascended the first step on February 28, 2022.

The arrival of the Russian hoped to see a new face as leader. However, due to his own mistakes plus an injury (hernia), the 26-year-old Muscovite was only a few weeks at the top of the rankings (16) before giving way to Novak Djokovic. Now, the new promise to get the top for a long time is Carlos Alcarazwho reached the top after winning the 2022 US Open.

Sports news reviews the tennis players who it lasted less than 10 weeks as No. 1. It is worth clarifying that this list does not include Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker, Jim Courier, Stefan Edberg, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Gustavo Kuerten, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. All of them have been at the helm for less than two and a half months, but overall have a higher percentage of two or more terms.

Shortest reign in ATP history

Patrick Rafter

Australian Patrick Rafter stayed in first place from July 26 to August 1, 1999 (1 week). He stole the privilege from Agassi and would later lose it to Sambra. His stride was so short that he could never play a match as world No.1: Reaching the Wimbledon semifinals catapulted him. During his career he won 11 titles, two Grand Slams (US Open 1997 and 1998).

Carlos Moya

The Spaniard leading the way was Carlos Moyá, who became the first from his country to climb to the top of the rankings. It was two weeks: from March 15 to 28, 1999. He entered the M1000 in Miami that year as the top seed, but a loss in the fourth round shattered his illusions and he lost the position to Sabra, from whom he had taken it. His career ended with 20 trophies (Roland Garros 1998).

Evgeny Kafelnikov

Of May 3 to June 13, 1999, the ATP rankings saw Yevgeny Kafelnikov as the best in the world. The Russian, a leader of his generation, was usurped by Sampras, who would regain it six weeks later. The winner of 26 titles (Roland Garros 1996 and Australian Open 1999) took advantage of the boost from his triumph in Oceania and played in Paris as 1: in the second round he would lose to Dominic Hrbaty (30th at the time).

Marcelo Rios

Chile’s Marcelo Ríos took advantage of Sampras’ mistakes and was No. 1 on two occasions: from March 30 to April 26 and August 10 to 23, 1998. Without winning any Grand Slam he was ahead during six weeks. Back-to-back wins in Indian Wells and Miami took him from seventh to first. He would leave his second term in quick and unexpected losses in Cincinnati and Indianapolis.

Thomas Master

Clay specialist and winner of 44 titles, Thomas Muster led for two short periods. First he did it from 12 to 18 February 1996 and then from 11 March to 13 April of the same year. His 12 trophies in 1995, including M1000s in Monte Carlo, Rome and Essen plus Roland Garros, gave him enough points to carry on. six weeks in the privileged position. He had a lot to defend, so his stay at the top was short.

Juan Carlos Ferrero

eight weeks in a row It was what lasted the era of Juan Carlos Ferrero. The Spaniard was ahead of the September 8 to November 2, 2003. He rose to the top by reaching the final of the US Open which he lost to Andy Roddick. As 1 he would lose a definition in Bangkok and win the M1000 in Madrid. In the same year he also took Monte Carlo and Roland Garros. He was the penultimate leader before the arrival of the Big 4.

John Newcomb

The creation of the ATP ranking took place on August 23, 1973, and Illie Nastase was established as the first leader. His replacement was Australian John Newcombe, who held on eight weeks from June 3 to July 28, 1974;. Defeat in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon gave the lead to Jimmy Connors. oceanic has won 43 trophies, including seven Grand Slams.

Marat Safin

Marat Safin only lasted nine weeks at best but the strange thing is that he did it in three stages: from 20 November to 3 December 2000, 29 January to 25 February 2001 and 2 to 22 April 2001. His first time was after winning the M1000 in Paris, a final where he beat Mark Filippoussi in five sets. he would then replace Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten, who lost in the second round of the Australian Open, while the third period was reached by another surprise elimination of Guga. The Russian won the US Open in 2000 and the Australian Open in 2005.

The list of shortest ATP reigns in history