France, March 8 -- Novak Djokovic has set a record of 311 weeks as world number one.

The 33-year-old Serb surpassed Roger Federer's mark of 310 two weeks after claiming his 18th Grand Slam tournament title at the Australian Open.

With Federer turning 40 in August, Djokovic, who is a year younger than Rafael Nadal, has time to overhaul their record haul of 20 Grand Slam crowns.

"It really excites me to walk the path of legends and giants of this sport," said Djokovic in a statement released by the ATP which runs the men's professional circuit.

"To know that I earned my place among them by following my childhood dream is a beautiful confirmation that when you do things out of love and passion, everything is possible."

Djokovic has spen...