Novak Djokovic has been in fine form this season, losing only once since June and lifting his 24th Grand Slam in September in New York. After 50 days of break, the Serbian returned with a bang to win his 40th Masters 1000 at the Rolex Paris Masters. Heading into the ATP Finals in Turin Djokovic just needed a win to cement his place at the ATP year-end No. 1.
With a record of finishing as No.1 at the end of the year in 7 out of the last 13 seasons, Novak Djokovic defeated Holger Rune to make sure he earned his 8th year-end No. 1 ranking.
Novak Djokovic secures ATP Year-End No. 1
Since 2018, when Novak Djokovic just turned 31, the Serbian star has won 50% of his Year-End No. 1 matches. The Serbian clinched his record-extending eighth ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by Pepperstone after defeating Dane Holger Rune in his opening match at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin.
After what seems like a long battle between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz for the No. 1 honours throughout the 2023 season, Djokovic has emerged on top. The Serbian star also extended his record as the oldest year-end No. 1. Two years ago at age 34 Novak Djokovic finished the season in the top and he has beaten his mark by repeating the feat at age 36.
Pete Sampras comes second in the list of players with the most ATP Year-End No. 1 in history, with six year-end No. 1 campaigns and Roger Federer next with 5. With the record, Novak Djokovic has spent 25 weeks in top spot in 2023 and will enjoy his record 400th week at the top of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings beginning November 20.
Meanwhile, If Novak Djokovic wins the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, it will be his 7th Finals title, surpassing Roger Federer who is tied six with him. The Serbian lifted the trophy at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and the US Open taking his tally to 24 major titles.
ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said, “Becoming year-end No. 1 is an incredible accomplishment. To achieve it eight times is absolutely extraordinary. Novak continues to set the standard in tennis, and his passion and drive make him a true champion. There’s no doubt that more greatness and records lie ahead in his journey.”
Novak Djokovic beats Holger Rune in 16th ATP Finals opener
Novak Djokovic earned his first-game victory against Holger Rune 7-6(4), 6-7(1), 6-3 in Green Group to ensure he claims the coveted ATP Year-End No. 1 for a record-extending eighth time. The six-time Nitto ATP Finals champion Djokovic also guaranteed himself a historic 400th week overall as World No. 1 in the November edition of ATP Rankings.
“It took everything,” said Djokovic. “I saw in the first game, when he fired shots from the baseline in the first three or four points, I knew that it was going to be a tough life for me. If I wanted to win this match, I was going to have to work really hard… He was feeling the ball well, he was sharp. Very aggressive, every short ball he was coming in and he served terrific.”
Djokovic first victory of the season came at the Adelaide ATP 500 in January. He now owns a record 52-5 following his opening victory in Turin and a 14-3 record vs Top 10. Earning a 91 percent win rate in 2023, it is nearly eight percent higher than his career average according to Infosys ATP Stats.
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