‘Dream come true’ – Novak Djokovic pays tribute to a legend as he seals year-end world No.1 ranking

Kevin Palmer 07 Nov 2020 1:50 PM

Novak Djokovic has clinched the year-end No. 1 ATP Ranking for a record-equalling sixth time and he was quick to pay tribute to the legend he has joined at the top of the illustrious list.

The Serbian, who finishes as No. 1 for the sixth time, drew level with his childhood hero, American Pete Sampras, who ended six straight years at the pinnacle of men’s professional tennis between 1993 and 1998.

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“Pete was somebody I looked up to when I was growing up, so to match his record is a dream come true” Djokovic told the ATP.

“I will also keep striving to be a better player, hopefully have more success and break more records in a sport I love with all my heart.”

The year-end world No.1 record is a prize Djokovic has been keen to wrap up for several weeks and his decision to play in Vienna at the back end of October confirmed his eagerness to secure enough points to finish ahead of Rafael Nadal.

“To finish the year as No.1 is one of the most impressive achievements in our sport, one which requires sustained excellence across the season,” said Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman. “To see Novak achieve this for the sixth time and match Pete’s record is simply incredible, and he continues to cement his place in the history books.”

It was the 16th time in the last 17 years that the year-end world No.1 ranking was sealed by either Djokovic, Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer, with Andy Murray the only player to break their stranglehold on the record in 2016.

ATP TOUR YEAR-END NO. 1

Year   Player
2020   Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
2019   Rafael Nadal (Spain)
2018   Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
2017   Rafael Nadal (Spain)
2016   Andy Murray (Great Britain)
2015   Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
2014   Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
2013   Rafael Nadal (Spain)
2012   Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
2011   Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
2010   Rafael Nadal (Spain)
2009   Roger Federer (Switzerland)
2008   Rafael Nadal (Spain)
2007   Roger Federer (Switzerland)
2006   Roger Federer (Switzerland)
2005   Roger Federer (Switzerland)
2004   Roger Federer (Switzerland)
2003   Andy Roddick (U.S.)
2002   Lleyton Hewitt (Australia)
2001   Lleyton Hewitt (Australia)
2000   Gustavo Kuerten (Brazil)
1999   Andre Agassi (U.S.)
1998   Pete Sampras (U.S.)
1997   Pete Sampras (U.S.)
1996   Pete Sampras (U.S.)
1995   Pete Sampras (U.S.)
1994   Pete Sampras (U.S.)
1993   Pete Sampras (U.S.)
1992   Jim Courier (U.S.)
1991   Stefan Edberg (Sweden)
1990   Stefan Edberg (Sweden)
1989   Ivan Lendl (Czech Republic)
1988   Mats Wilander (Sweden)
1987   Ivan Lendl (Czech Republic)
1986   Ivan Lendl (Czech Republic)
1985   Ivan Lendl (Czech Republic)
1984   John McEnroe (U.S.)
1983   John McEnroe (U.S.)
1982   John McEnroe (U.S.)
1981   John McEnroe (U.S.)
1980   Bjorn Borg (Sweden)
1979   Bjorn Borg (Sweden)
1978   Jimmy Connors (U.S.)
1977   Jimmy Connors (U.S.)
1976   Jimmy Connors (U.S.)
1975   Jimmy Connors (U.S.)
1974   Jimmy Connors (U.S.)
1973   Ilie Nastase (Romania)