Novak Djokovic leaves Roger Federer behind with remarkable Masters 1000 milestone

Novak Djokovic has added another feather to his remarkable career after moving past Roger Federer for a significant Masters 1000 milestone.

The Serbian remains one of the biggest names heading into the 2026 US Open, where he will once again be chasing another piece of tennis history. His latest achievement in Cincinnati, however, highlights a different aspect of his career: his extraordinary consistency over more than two decades at the top level.

Djokovic moves ahead of Federer with 139th Masters 1000 appearance

Djokovic made his 139th Masters 1000 main-draw appearance at the Cincinnati Open, taking him past Federer, who finished his career with 138 appearances at the elite ATP events.

The 40-time Masters 1000 champion has now matched Feliciano Lopez for the joint-most appearances in the history of the tournament category.

Djokovic’s latest milestone is particularly impressive given that his Masters 1000 journey began more than two decades ago. He first featured in Cincinnati in 2005 after qualifying for the main draw and faced Fernando Gonzalez in the opening round.

The then-young Serbian was unable to progress after losing to Gonzalez in three sets, but that early appearance marked the beginning of a remarkable run at the highest level of the sport.

More than 21 years later, Djokovic returned to Cincinnati having established himself as the most successful player in Masters 1000 history.

His record at the level extends well beyond appearances. Djokovic has won 40 Masters 1000 titles, the most in men’s tennis, while also holding the records for most victories, quarter-final appearances, semi-final appearances and finals at the tournaments.

His consistency across the Masters 1000 calendar has been a defining feature of his career, with the Serbian repeatedly returning to the biggest events and competing for titles well into his later years.

Djokovic has also completed the Career Golden Masters twice, becoming the only player to win all nine Masters 1000 tournaments at least once and then repeat the feat.

The latest record adds another layer to an already extraordinary Masters 1000 resume. While surpassing Federer in appearances is a mark of longevity, Djokovic’s numbers across the category underline just how dominant he has been whenever he has stepped onto the court.

At 139 appearances, Djokovic now sits alongside Lopez at the top of the list, with another record added to a career already filled with historic achievements.

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