Graf spent 377 weeks in the number 1 spot. Djokovic will enter his 378th.
He admits that breaking the record feels surreal but that he is also looking to have more achievements.
“I still want more achievements,” Djokovic told in a Dubai press conference.
“I’m driven by the goals. I’m as dedicated to the sport really as anybody else.
“Of course, it’s surreal in a way to be that many weeks world number one, 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.”
Djokovic is also tied with Rafael Nadal with 22 Grand Slam wins. Should he win more, not only will he break away from Nadal, he will also be equaling the record set by Serena Williams with 23.
He also now has 10 Australian Open titles to his name. And so far this season, he has an unbeaten streak of 12 matches.
He was hampered with a hamstring injury back in Australia but he now says that he has been pain free.
“I’m getting closer to a hundred percent. Still not there in terms of the game itself, how I feel on the court. But the important thing is that there is no pain. I don’t have a hindrance to the way I move on the court,” he added.
He will start his campaign for the Dubai title on Tuesday and will go up against Tomas Machac.
Last year, he infamously reverted to playing in Dubai after he was summarily deported from Australia for being unvaccinated. This year, he goes into Dubai as the reigning Aussie Open champion.