Novak Djokovic issues challenge to fans after securing major milestone

Ewan West
Novak Djokovic at the 2023 ATP Finals
Novak Djokovic celebrates at the 2023 ATP Finals

Novak Djokovic has asked his fans to do a challenge with him to celebrate his incredible achievement of securing 400 weeks as world No 1. 

The 24-time Grand Slam champion suggested four challenges for fans to vote on, all of which were related to the number 400 to reflect his milestone.

With his victory over Holger Rune in his opening round-robin match at the 2023 ATP Finals in Turin, Djokovic ensured two huge accomplishments.

The 36-year-old secured a record-extending eighth year-end ATP world No 1 finish, stretching his lead over his idol Pete Sampras in second place with six.

Djokovic also guaranteed his lead as the player with the most weeks spent as world No 1 will be increased and surpass the 400-week mark. Djokovic’s great rival Roger Federer sits second in this category with 310 weeks as ATP No 1.

The Serbian overtook Carlos Alcaraz to reclaim the world No 1 ranking following his triumph at the 2023 US Open in September and has remained in top spot since.

READ MORE: Top analyst assesses why Carlos Alcaraz is ‘destined’ to win the ATP Finals

In a post shared on Twitter / X, Djokovic invited his fanbase to vote on four options, while encouraging them to reply with their own suggestions for challenges.

“#NoleFam should we do a challenge together to celebrate 400 weeks?.. 🤔😁😁🙌🏼 say other ideas in comments #Nole400,” wrote the 36-year-old.

The options the Serb gave were: a 400m run, “400 bounces on racket”, “400 keepy uppies” and “400 jump ropes.”

Speaking in his press conference following his three-set win over Rune, Djokovic reflected on his staggering record-extending achievements.

“It’s huge. It means a lot obviously. I knew coming into the tournament here I needed only one win to clinch the year-end No 1. I really wanted that to happen already tonight. I didn’t want to prolong in a way the situation and complicate in a way this particular goal,” he said.

“I’m really glad that I managed to do that tonight. It always has been a huge objective and huge goal of mine to be No 1 in the world. Other than Grand Slams, that’s what counts the most. To finish off the year as No 1 in the world at this stage of my life and career is something really amazing.

“At the beginning of the year, I really wasn’t prioritising that, I must say. I was prioritising more Grand Slams. Because of the great results, particularly in Grand Slams, accumulated points, I think I put myself in a very good position to fight for year-end No 1.

“Winning Paris put me in a great position. So I really went for it. Anything that happens from this moment onwards I guess in this tournament is a bonus for me.”

Djokovic was defeated in an epic three-set battle by world No 4 Jannik Sinner in his second match at the year-end championships on Tuesday night.

The world No 1 will face alternate Hubert Hurkacz in his final group stage match in Turin on Thursday afternoon, with a win likely needed to progress to the semi-finals. He may also require Sinner to beat Rune in Thursday’s night session match.

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