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

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Novak Djokovic celebrates

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.

“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)

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