Novak Djokovic increased his record to eight times ending the year at world number one, after defeating Holger Rune in his opening match of the ATP Finals.

Djokovic, at the age of 36, became the oldest player to end the year at the top of the ATP Tour table. Two years ago, he monopolized the record of ending the year at number one in the ATP seven times, and was also the oldest person to do so at 34 years old. Previously, Nole had stood at the top of the world at the end of 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2020.

Djokovic mừng chiến thắng 7-6, 6-7, 6-3 trước Rune ở bảng Xanh ATP Finals tại Turin, Italy hôm 12/11. Ảnh: Reuters

Djokovic celebrates his 7-6, 6-7, 6-3 victory over Rune in the ATP Finals Blue Group in Turin, Italy on November 12. Photo: Reuters

Djokovic celebrates his 7-6, 6-7, 6-3 victory over Rune in the ATP Finals Blue Group in Turin, Italy on November 12. Photo: Reuters

Before Djokovic, the legendary Pete Sampras finished the season at the top six times. Roger Federer, Jimmy Connors and Rafael Nadal have five each.

Djokovic also reached the milestone of 400 weeks at number one in the ATP on November 20, including 25 weeks in the 2023 season. The number one position in the ATP this season has changed hands seven times, revolving around Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. The fact that the Spanish juniors were out of breath in the last three months of the year partly helped Nole firmly consolidate its leading position after the US Open.

Both Djokovic and Alcaraz are six-time champions this season. But Djokovic is better with three Grand Slam titles after four finals. The Serbian tennis player is aiming for the seventh ATP Finals championship, thereby monopolizing the record. He and Federer currently have six crowns.

Djokovic is on a streak of 19 consecutive wins since Wimbledon. He won 52 of 57 matches this season, achieving a 91% win rate – about 8% higher than his career win rate. He met juniors in the world’s top 10 17 times this season and dominated with 14 wins. As of November 13, Djokovic has won 29 out of 36 tie-break series in 2023.

“Novak Djokovic continues to set new standards for men’s tennis,” commented ATP President Andrea Gaudenzi. “Ending the year at number one eight times is an incredible achievement. It shows the passion and class of a true champion. I think Djokovic will continue to reap many more records.”