Djokovic Extends ‘Big Titles’ Lead With Rome Victory

Novak Djokovic’s first title of the season, which he claimed Sunday in Rome, was big in more ways than one.

The World No. 1 showed he is back to top form by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-0, 7-6(5) to triumph at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, and also extended his lead in the ‘Big Titles’ race. The Serbian now has 63 of them, putting him five clear of Rafael Nadal (58) and nine ahead of Roger Federer (54). A ‘Big Title’ is a trophy at a Grand Slam championship, the Nitto ATP Finals, an ATP Masters 1000 tournament or an Olympic singles gold medal.

The 34-year-old has now earned at least one ‘Big Title’ in 11 of the past 12 years. He has also lifted at least one tour-level trophy in 17 consecutive seasons. With his sixth crown in Rome, Djokovic extended his record number of ATP Masters 1000 trophies to 38, putting him two in front of Nadal.

Djokovic still owns the best ‘Big Titles’ win-rate at one title won per 3.3 events played (63/205), while Nadal is second in the category, winning one for every 3.5 tournaments played at this level (58/201). Only Roger Federer (4.4, 54/240) and Pete Sampras (4.9, 30/147) have claimed a ‘Big Title’ at a rate of greater than once per five events played.

Current and Former Champions’ Big Titles Won (Records Since 1990)

^ Includes Olympic Games gold medals and tournament participations
* Becker’s four other Grand Slam titles came before 1990.
** Edberg’s three other Grand Slam titles came before 1990.
*** Chang’s one Grand Slam title came before 1990