Daniel Medvedev officially climbed to the top of the ATP rankings on Monday, surpassing Novak Djokovic to become the 27th player to hold the No. 1 spot since the electronic rankings began in 1973.

The 26-year-old Russian won the US Open last year and was runner-up at the Australian Open this year.

Djokovic dropped one place after playing only one tournament in 2022 due to his decision not to be vaccinated against COVID-19. He was expelled from Australia and was not allowed to defend his title in Melbourne because he was not vaccinated – and insisted he would not be, even if he had to play elsewhere, such as at Roland-Garros or Wimbledon.

Medvedev is the first player besides Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or Andy Murray to rise to the top of the world rankings since February 2004, when Andy Roddick was there.

Medvedev is also the first new No. 1 after Murray in November 2016 and the third leading Russian, after Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin.

“It is a great honor to have this degree. “I’m sure everyone can understand that he’m coming with mixed feelings to make this happen this week,” Medvedev wrote on Twitter on Monday, a clear reference to his country ‘s invasion of Ukraine. Thanks to my wife, my team, my sponsors, my friends and everyone who helped me along the way. It’s a long journey and I look forward to the years to come. »

Djokovic’s most recent tenure at the top of the rankings began on February 3, 2020, and his total of 361 weeks is the longest for a man since the electronic circuit classification began in 1973.

He called Medvedev “very worthy” in a Twitter post last week.

“It’s great for tennis, I think, to have someone new at the top of the world,” said Jiri Vesely after his victory over Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the Dubai tournament on Thursday, ensuring that there will be a change in the standings this week.

“Tennis, of course, needs a new No. 1. A new generation is coming. I think it’s just awesome. »

Medvedev has appeared in four major finals so far, losing to Nadal at the US Open in 2019 and the Australian Open in 2022 – despite winning the first two sets – and to Djokovic at the Australian Open. Australia in 2021 before beating Djokovic at the 2021 US Open, ending the Serb’s bid to become the first man to win the Grand Slam in the same calendar year in 52 years.

Alexander Zverev is still third in the standings after being knocked out of the Acapulco tournament after a violent outburst of anger at the referee, while Nadal moved up to fourth place after winning the title there – and beating Medvedev along the way – for to be improved. his record at 15-0 this season.

Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime, who took leave last week, retained 9th place, while compatriot Denis Shapovalov, a semifinalist in Dubai, climbed one level and now ranks 13th.

The ATP rankings after Monday’s games:

1. Daniil Medvedev (Russia) 8615 points (+1)

2. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 8465 (-1)

3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 7515

4. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 6515 (+1)

5. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 6445 (-1)

6. Andrey Rublev (Russia) 5000 (+1)

7. Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 4928 (-1)

8. Casper Ruud (NOR) 3915

9. Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) 3883

10. Hubert Hurkacz (POL) 3496 (+1)

Jannik Sinner (ITA) 3495 (-1)

12. Cameron Norrie (GBR) 3325

13. Denis Shapovalov (CAN) 3020 (+1)

14. Diego Schwartzman (ARG) 2865 (-1)

15. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 2480

16. Pablo Kareno (ESP) 2220 (+1)

17. Reilly Opelka (USA) 2156 (+1)

18. Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) 2121 (+1)

19. Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) 2061 (+1)

20. Taylor Fritz (USA) 2010 (-4)