Boris Becker hails Novak Djokovic for overtaking Steffi GrafNever thought this record could be broken

Six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker has showered praise on Novak Djokovic for breaking Steffi Graf’s record of spending 377 weeks as world number 1. Djokovic has now spent 378 weeks as the top-ranked men’s player to overtake the legendary German tennis star.

Speaking to Eurosport, Becker said it is an unbelievable achievement for Djokovic, adding that he never though Graf’s record would be broken.

“It’s an unbelievable achievement. I never thought this record could be broken. As a fellow German I would have wished for Steffi Graf to be the all-time leader, but being a close friend of Novak as well, I am not too unhappy either,” said Becker.

He went on to say that Djokovic is a fantastic guy and a great champion, insisting that he would probably stay number 1 for a few more weeks before anybody can take his crown.

“Novak is a fantastic guy and a great champion. Records are meant to be broken. Sooner or later all records will be broken, but this is one for the tennis history books. And guess what, it’s still counting. I think Novak will be number one for a few weeks more before somebody will take his crown,” Becker added.

Speaking after breaking Graf’s record, Djokovic said he is extremely proud and happy after achieving 378 weeks as the world number 1 tennis player.

“Of course with your love and great strength that you have given me over the years, I’ve managed to achieve many fantastic achievements throughout my career. The most recent one [is] breaking the record [with] 378 weeks on number 1 [in the] rankings, surpassing one of the greatest, most legendary tennis players, both men and women, that ever played, Steffi Graf. So I’m flattered, obviously extremely, extremely proud and happy for this achievement,” said Djokovic.

Djokovic returned to the top spot last month for the first time since last June by winning a record-extending 10th Australian Open crown.