ATP Finals: Djokovic starts strong, defeated Rune to clinch year-ending World No. 1 spot

Novak Djokovic secured a record-extending eighth ATP Year-End No. 1 finish on Sunday when he defeated World No.4 Holger Rune in his opening match at the ATP Finals in Turin.

The 36-year-old Serb’s 7-6(4), 6-7(1), 6-3 victory in Green Group ensured that he will claim the coveted ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by Pepperstone honour for a record-extending eighth time.

In addition, the six-time Nitto ATP Finals victor Djokovic ensured himself a historic 400th week overall at the top of the world rankings in the 20 November Pepperstone ATP Rankings.

“It means a lot,” said Djokovic of ensuring he will end the year as World No. 1. “You could see there were a lot of emotions on the court. I could feel it. I was very eager to win tonight’s match, get that monkey off my back. I won Paris, which put me in a much better position rankings-wise, and I knew coming into Turin I only needed to win one match. A big goal is achieved, everything else now is a bonus.”

Djokovic has triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz following their back-and-forth competition for the title during the 2023 campaign. Additionally, the Serbian continued to hold the title of Pepperstone ATP Rankings’ oldest year-end No. 1 ever. He set a record two years ago when, at 34, he was the oldest player to finish the season as the top seed. Now, at 36, he has surpassed himself.

Pete Sampras, who ranks second on the historic list with six year-end No. 1 campaigns, is now two finishes behind Djokovic in the rankings. In eight of the previous thirteen seasons, the Serbian has merited the honor

MOST ATP YEAR-END NO. 1 PRESENTED BY PEPPERSTONE FINISHES

1) Novak Djokovic 8

2) Pete Sampras 6

T3) Roger Federer 5

T3) Jimmy Connors 5

T3) Rafael Nadal 5

After securing the top spot at the end of the year, Djokovic will start November 20th and enjoy his 400th week at the top of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings.

In 2023, Djokovic has been ranked first for 25 weeks. The world No. 1 spot in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings has alternated between the Serbian and Alcaraz seven times this year.

“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.” says ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi.

Three of the four majors this season have been won by Djokovic, who has six titles thus far this season, tying Alcaraz for the most on the ATP Tour. At Roland Garros, the US Open, and the Australian Open, he raised the trophy.

Djokovic, a 24-time major champion, achieved a career-high four Slams in a single year (also in 2011, 2015, and 2021). With the greatest number of major titles in men’s tennis history, he stands alone.

The top seed added two more ATP Masters 1000 trophies to his collection with victories in Cincinnati and Paris. At that elite level, Djokovic has now won a record 40 titles.