Nov 12, 2023, 06:39 PM ET
TURIN, Italy — Novak Djokovic has secured the year-end No. 1 rating for a record-extending eighth time.
Novak Djokovic wanted just one match win on the ATP Finals to make sure of maintaining the highest spot and the 24-time Grand Slam champion did it in his opener, beating Holger Rune 7-6 (4), 6-7 (1), 6-3 on Sunday.
“It was a really emotional and hard win due to the importance,” Djokovic stated. “That was added strain, and a spotlight.
“It means quite a bit. You may see there was a whole lot of feelings on the courtroom. I may really feel it. I used to be very wanting to win tonight’s match and get that monkey off my again.”
The 36-year-old Djokovic had already moved forward of earlier document holder Pete Sampras (six years at No. 1) two years in the past.
Carlos Alcaraz took the honors final yr.
After this event, Djokovic will turn into the primary participant to carry No. 1 for 400 weeks, with Roger Federer at 310 the one different man to eclipse the 300-week mark.
If Djokovic raises the trophy subsequent weekend, he’ll break a tie with Federer and seize a document seventh title on the finals.
“An enormous objective is achieved; every little thing else now’s a bonus,” Djokovic stated.
Djokovic has received 19 straight matches stretching again to his five-set loss to Alcaraz within the Wimbledon last in July.
The 20-year-old Rune was making his debut on the season-ending event for the yr’s high eight gamers and pushed Djokovic to a deciding set for a fourth straight time in 5 profession conferences.
Djokovic additionally beat Rune in three tight units on the Paris Masters this month.
Earlier, Jannik Sinner beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-4 for his tour-leading 14th win indoors this yr — towards only one loss.
Sinner served 9 aces to Tsitsipas’ six amid quick circumstances contained in the Pala Alpitour and did not face a single break level.
“The match went actually, very well and the group assist was loopy,” Sinner stated. “It is not nearly enchancment, it is about locations and the vacation spot I needed to achieve this yr was to be right here.”
Matches within the different group on Monday characteristic Alcaraz vs. Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev vs. Andrey Rublev.
The highest two finishers in every group advance to the semifinals.
