ATP FInals: Djokovic sure of world number 1

With the hard-fought victory obtained last night against Holger Rune in their debut match at the Finals in Turin, Novak Djokovic ensured he ended the year as world number one. For the Serbian it is the eighth time in his career, and this is also a record. Which Nole has retouched, given that the record already belonged to him: behind them is Pete Sampras (six times n.1 at the end of the year, from 1993 to 1998), followed by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Jimmy Connors, 5th behind them.

alcaraz

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The only one who could counter Djokovic was Carlos Alcaraz, who was at the top of the rankings for 20 weeks in 2023, but the Spaniard is now out of contention. For Nole this is yet another milestone in an extraordinary year. He finished at No. 1 for the first time 12 years ago, in 2011, and in 2023 we find him again there, winner of 3 slams (Australian Open, Roland Garros and Us Open). In the last 12 months the Serbian first reached and then broke the major record (24), brought the 1000 achieved to 40 with successes in Cincinnati and Bercy, and in 2023 he won 52 out of 57 matches (91.2% of victories), all at 36 years old.

400 weeks

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Next week Djokovic will be the first, man or woman, to reach 400 weeks at the top of the rankings. The trophy for number 1 at the end of the year will be presented to him by ATP president Andrea Gaudenzi today before the Alcaraz-Zverev match. “It’s a huge result. It means a lot to me – said the Serbian – I knew that just one victory would be enough for me to conquer the number 1 at the end of the year, and I really wanted this to happen immediately. I’m really happy to have succeeded. It always It’s been a big goal of mine to be No. 1 in the world. Aside from the Slams, that’s what matters most. To end the year as No. 1 in the world at this stage of my life and career is something truly extraordinary.” .