Novak Djokovic has reached the top of the year-end rankings for the eighth time with a three-set thriller over Holger Rooney at the ATP Finals in Turin.
The Serbian superstar, who needed to win just one match in the season-ending tournament to lock up the No. 1 spot in the rankings, was in fine form, rallying from a set down to the Danish youngster 7-6 (4) 6-7 (1). 6-3.
It is clearly an exciting time for Djokovic, who has now overtaken Pete Sampras for the most year-end No. 1s in the Open era.
“It’s a very exciting and tough win,” Djokovic said, “because this match is very important.” It adds pressure and attention.”
“It means a lot. You can see a lot of emotions on the court. I can feel it. I was very eager to win and get rid of that monkey.
Djokovic’s win was even more impressive considering his sore hamstring. He was forced to take a medical timeout in the second set, but he returned to the court and eventually won the match.
Djokovic’s victory at the ATP Finals was his 19th in a row, ending a stellar season for the 36-year-old. He has won three of the four Grand Slams and was runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon.
With his recent victories, Djokovic has cemented his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. He is the only player in the Open Era to have won all four Grand Slam tournaments at least twice and is by far the oldest player to hold the No. 1 ranking in the world.
Djokovic will become the first player to remain world No. 1 for 400 consecutive weeks
Novak Djokovic will become the first player to hold the world number one ranking for 400 consecutive weeks after the ATP Finals. Roger Federer is the only other player to have passed the 300-week mark.
Djokovic has now won the year-end No. 1 ranking more times than any other player in the Open Era. He is also the oldest player to ever win a world No. 1 ranking.
Djokovic’s accomplishments are all the more remarkable considering he has missed a number of tournaments in recent years due to his vaccination status. He was unable to compete in the Australian Open and U.S. Open this year, but he still finished the year as the world number one.
Djokovic’s dominance in men’s tennis is truly remarkable. He is one of the most successful athletes of all time and shows no signs of slowing down.
