Following his opening win at the Nitto ATP Finals against Casper Ruud on Monday, Novak Djokovic was presented with the 2021 year-end ATP no.1 trophy during an on-court presentation at the Pala Alpitour in Turin.
Novak has clinched the year-end no.1 ATP Ranking for a record seventh time!
The Serbian star, who has finished as world no.1 for the seventh time in the past 11 years (also 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2020), has now surpassed his childhood idol and role model Pete Sampras for most year-end no.1 finishes in ATP rankings history.
“It’s a thrilling sensation breaking the record of Pete Sampras, who was my childhood hero growing up,” Djokovic said. “He was the one I looked up to the most, the one that got me going with tennis. At times it seems surreal to really be where I am, and I’m blessed and grateful to be in this position.”
Novak has enjoyed another exceptional season, capturing five titles, including three Grand Slam championships (Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon), one ATP Masters 1000 crown (Rolex Paris Masters) and one triumph at an ATP 250 event (Belgrade Open 2). Djokovic also played finals of the Italian Open and the US Open.
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