Boris Becker congratulates "darling" Novak Djokovic for breaking Steffi Graf's record

Boris Becker has congratulated Novak Djokovic for breaking German tennis legend Steffi Graf's record of 377 weeks as World No. 1.

Djokovic reclaimed the top spot in the world rankings after capturing a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January.

The Serb surpassed Roger Federer's record of most weeks as World No. 1 in the ATP rankings (310) back in March 2021. Having captured four more Majors since, he will now spend his 378th week at the top of men's tennis while competing at the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Former World No. 1 Becker took to social media to congratulate Djokovic on his achievement and addressed the Serb as "darling" in German.

"Congratulations Schatzi," Becker wrote.

Boris Becker's Instagram story

The Serb is currently gunning for his sixth ATP 500 title in Dubai and will look to extend his 12-match winning streak in 2023 against Czech Republic's Tomas Machac in the Round of 32.

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Novak Djokovic likely to miss ATP 1000 event at Indian Wells and Miami

Novak Djokovic at the 2019 Miami Open

Novak Djokovic will likely miss out on the ATP 1000 events at Indian Wells and Miami due to being unvaccinated against COVID-19.

During a recent press conference, the World No. 1 expressed his disappointment at not being able to enter the United States. He said that people wanted him to play in America, and that he hoped the relevant authorities would soon come to the same conclusion.

"It depends on the situation, I'm waiting for an answer and it's not in my hands. We'll see how things unfold in the next two weeks. The process is ongoing and that's all I know," he said.

He added:

"Of course, I'd like to play and I'm glad that I got support from the tournament director. People want me to go to America and play, and I want that, but I hope that the side that decides about it will also think so."

American President Joe Biden has confirmed that the country's state of national emergency for public health in response to COVID-19 will be lifted on May 10, 2023.

This deadline provides an opportunity for the World No. 1 to make his return to the US Open in September. Unfortunately, due to his refusal to take the vaccine, he will have to withdraw from both ATP 1000 tournaments.