Novak Djokovic’s incredible longevity has allowed him to play on the ATP Tour for over 20 years.
The Serb made his ATP main draw debut in 2004 and has since recorded arguably the greatest career of all time.
Djokovic has won 101 titles, the third most in history behind Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer, and has claimed a record 24 Grand Slams.
His most recent triumph came at the Hellenic Championship in Athens, where Djokovic defeated Lorenzo Musetti in the final to hoist tour-level trophy number 101.
His first, though, came back in 2006 at the Dutch Open in Amersfoort, at a time when the ATP rankings looked very different.
The rankings when Novak Djokovic won his first ATP title
Djokovic’s victory in Amersfoort saw him move up the rankings to world number 28, eight places above the man who would be one of his biggest rivals, Andy Murray.
His other two future rivals were already at the top at that point, with Federer and Rafael Nadal ranked first and second, respectively.
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Former Wimbledon finalist David Nalbandian was the world number three, while Ivan Ljubicic was ranked fourth.
Two Americans were inside the top 10 at that point, with compatriots James Blake and Andy Roddick placed fifth and 10th.
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | Roger Federer |
| 2 | Rafael Nadal |
| 3 | David Nalbandian |
| 4 | Ivan Ljubicic |
| 5 | James Blake |
| 6 | Nikolay Davydenko |
| 7 | Tommy Robredo |
| 8 | Mario Ancic |
| 9 | Radek Stepanek |
| 10 | Andy Roddick |
Lleyton Hewitt was 13th at the time, and 36-year-old Andre Agassi was the world number 18 in the final year of his career.
Djokovic quickly rose up the rankings, and a year later, he became the world number three.
Novak Djokovic’s 2006 season on the ATP Tour
Djokovic’s 2006 season began with a first-round exit at the Australian Open, but he bounced back and recorded a semifinal finish in Zagreb in his next tournament appearance.
He struggled to make deep runs at several events in the following months, but then reached the quarterfinals of Roland Garros.
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His opponent in the last eight was Nadal, who ultimately advanced when Djokovic was forced to retire due to injury after going two sets down.
Djokovic exited Wimbledon in the fourth round before going on to emerge victorious in Amersfoort.
Later that season, Djokovic claimed his second title in Metz, defeating Jurgen Melzer in the final.
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