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

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.
https://twitter.com/atptour/status/1324814227794587650?s=20
“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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