DUBAI: Novak Djokovic, 35, says breaking Steffi Graf's record of 377 weeks at No. 1 in the rankings today is "surreal" and that he is proud to surpass one of the sport's all-time greats.
The Serb will spend his 378th week at the top of men's tennis competing in Dubai, where he will play his first tournament since capturing a 10th Australian Open crown and record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title last month.
"I still want more achievements," Djokovic said in Dubai on Sunday.
"I'm driven by goals. I'm as dedicated to the sport as anybody else.
"Of course, it's surreal to be that many weeks as world No. 1, to match Steffi Graf. Just being among these legendary names is flattering. I'm proud of it."
Undefeated in all 12 matches he has contested this season, Djokovic says he has been pain-free for the past week, having recovered from a muscle tear in his left hamstring he had sustained in Australia.
"But the important thing is that there is no pain. I don't have a hindrance to the way I move on the court."
He will begin his campaign against Czech qualifier Tomas Machac on Tuesday, where the likes of Daniil Medvedev, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Andy Murray are also expected to take the court.
Murray, who is one week older than Djokovic and has been the Serb's rival since their early teen years, is coming off a stunning week in Doha, where he battled through four three-setters before losing to Medvedev in the final.
It has been a theme for the British former world No. 1, who also put on heroic displays at the Australian Open last month.
Djokovic said of Murray: "You have to note that he has an artificial hip and he's moving the way he does.
"He's looking to improve and to get back to the highest level, which it seems like he's been doing. He's just rising in the rankings.
"I'm very happy for him because he's a great guy, respects the sport, works very, very hard. He deserves his success."
Djokovic has also been paying attention to the exploits of Chinese players on the ATP tour.
There are two Chinese men ranked in the top 100 — Wu Yibing and Zhang Zhizhen — with teenager Shang Juncheng not far behind.
Djokovic said he always knew it was only a matter of time before China's men made their way up the rankings the way Chinese women have on the WTA tour. — AFP