Jannik Sinner on the verge of surpassing Rafael Nadal and John McEnroe for World No.1 milestone

Italian sensation Jannik Sinner, serving a three-month suspension imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for a positive test in March last year, remains a dominant figure in tennis. Despite his absence from the tour, Sinner has managed to hold on to the ATP World No.1 ranking and is on the cusp of surpassing icons Rafael Nadal and John McEnroe in consecutive weeks at the top.

Sinner’s most recent match was the Australian Open final, where he defeated Germany’s Alexander Zverev to claim his third career Grand Slam title. Since January 26, 2025, when the Italian secured his last official victory, he has not returned to the court for any competitive match.

However, neither Carlos Alcaraz nor Zverev—Sinner’s closest challengers in the ATP rankings—capitalized on his suspension to dethrone him. Now, the Italian is within striking distance of a significant milestone.

Currently in his 47th consecutive week as World No.1, Sinner is projected to maintain his top spot through the conclusion of the French Open on June 8. This would extend his streak to 54 weeks, and if he sustains it through Wimbledon, which begins on June 30, he would reach 59 consecutive weeks as No.1—surpassing Nadal and McEnroe to claim the 11th spot on the all-time list.

Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates winning the championship point against Alexander Zverev of Germany in the 2025 Australian Open. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Top 10: Most consecutive weeks at World No.1

While Sinner is achieving an impressive feat early in his career, he still has a long road ahead to challenge the record holders. Roger Federer leads the all-time list with an astonishing 237 consecutive weeks, followed by Jimmy Connors with 160.

see also

World No.2 Alexander Zverev criticizes tennis doping procedures following Sinner’s case

• 1- Roger Federer: 237 weeks
• 2- Jimmy Connors: 160 weeks
• 3- Ivan Lendl: 157 weeks
• 4- Novak Djokovic: 122 weeks
• 5- Pete Sampras: 102 weeks
• 6- Novak Djokovic: 86 weeks
• 7- Jimmy Connors: 84 weeks
• 8- Pete Sampras: 82 weeks
• 9- Ivan Lendl: 80 weeks
• 10- Lleyton Hewitt: 75 weeks

Sinner nearing return to the tour

Sinner’s suspension will officially conclude on May 4, allowing him to return at the Italian Open in Rome starting two days later. “There is still a bit of time to digest all this, but I can’t wait to be back in Rome,” Sinner told Sky Sports Italy in April.

“It’s a special tournament for me, even though it will also be very tough,” he continued. “I’ll be back at a moment when there will already be a lot of attention on me, and in Rome, that’s not easy. But let’s say I am living every day in a calm manner”.