"He should aim next to surpass goals Messi, Ronaldo scored" - Novak Djokovic's fans take offense after journalist points out Mike Bryan's No. 1 record

Novak Djokovic was met with a new challenge after he surpassed Steffi Graf to hold the all-time record for most weeks as the singles No. 1, across men's and women's tennis, entering his 378th week at the helm. Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg suggested that the Serb could now turn his focus towards Mike Bryan's staggering doubles No. 1 record and that did not sit well with Djokovic's fans.

Mike Bryan held the ATP doubles World No. 1 spot for 506 weeks during his illustrious career.

While Rothenberg highlighted that the Serbian tennis great has been the best ATP player in the world for a while now, he feels that the 35-year-old can now target Bryan's 506 weeks to hold the all-time No. 1 record across singles and doubles.

"Things complicated for Novak Djokovic, as you may’ve heard, but he never meaningfully stopped being ATP’s best player and surpassed Graf’s pro singles record today with his 378th week at #1. Next target, if he wants it? Mike Bryan has a whopping 506 weeks at ATP #1 in doubles," read a tweet from Rothenberg.

Reacting to the same, many fans of Djokovic ridiculed the journalist's suggestion of comparing singles and doubles tennis, beyond even the comparison between the men's and women's circuits. Many believe that the 22-time Grand Slam champion is being subjected to unfair targets.

"I think he should aim next to surpass number of goals Messi or Ronaldo scored. You guys are unbelievable with your comparisons. Man is the GOAT, accept it already and stop being hilarious," a fan wrote on Twitter.

"And then when he reach Mike Bryan, suddenly table tennis and badminton records will be there in conversation," another fan expressed.

Here are a few more reactions from Novak Djokovic's fans, who were miffed with the latest comparison:

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Novak Djokovic will make history with 400 weeks as World No. 1, believes Barbara Schett

The Serbian tennis superstar regained the No. 1 ranking after winning the 2023 Australian Open.

Novak Djokovic's time as World No. 1 is still far from over, according to former player-turned-commentator Barbara Schett. The Austrian believes that the Serbian great will become the first singles player in history to surpass 400 weeks atop the world rankings. Schett feels that he remains the player to beat on the ATP tour going forward, stressing that he deservingly broke the No. 1 record.

"I don't see this being the end to him being the World No. 1 as I think he will get over 400 weeks," Schett told Eurosport.

"He is still the one to beat at the moment and is the most consistent player out there. He has really, really deserved this. It is phenomenal what he has achieved, and he rightfully has the record," she added.

The World No. 1 is competing in this week's Dubai Tennis Championships, where he will take on Tomas Machac in the Round of 32 on Tuesday. He is aiming to increase his lead at the top of the rankings this week before the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open, where his participation remains doubtful.