Boris Becker torn between compatriot Steffi Graf and 'close friend' Novak Djokovic after Serb breaks World No. 1 record

Boris Becker recently commented on Novak Djokovic breaking tennis great Steffi Graf's legendary record of 377 weeks as World No. 1.

After entering his 378th week at the top of the men's rankings, the Serb has surpassed Steffi Graf's record for most weeks as the highest ranked player. The 22-time major winner has also held the record for most weeks as men's world number one since March 2021.

Following that, Boris Becker stated in an interview with Eurosport that it was an 'unbelievable achievement' for Novak Djokovic, as he never thought the record could be broken. While the German would have preferred that his compatriot Steffi Graf be the all-time leader, he is not 'too unhappy' either, as the Serb is his 'close friend.'

"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," Becker said.

While records are always 'meant to be broken,' Becker believes this one will go down in 'tennis history,' and that Djokovic will be World No. 1 for a few more weeks before someone else takes his place.

"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," he said.

"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," he added.

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"Just being amongst these legendary names is flattering, I'm very proud of it" - Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic pictured at the 2023 Australian Open trophy photoshoot.

After accomplishing such a feat, 2023 Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic spoke with reporters in Dubai on Monday (February 27) and discussed his achievement.

The 35-year-old stated that he is always motivated by his goals and that it is surreal to match Steffi Graf's record, who he considers to be one of the all-time greats in both men's and women's tennis.

"I still want more achievements. I'm driven by the goals. I'm as dedicated to the sport really as anybody else," the Serb said.

"Of course, it's surreal in a way to be that many weeks world number, to match Steffi Graf, who is one of the all-time greats of our sport, both men and women. Just being amongst these legendary names is flattering. I'm very proud of it," he added.

He will next compete in the Dubai Tennis Championships, which will begin on Tuesday (February 28).