Novak Djokovic Achieves ATP Record: Finishes No. 1 for the 8th Time

Novak Djokovic secures the year-end No. 1 position in the ATP rankings for the eighth time. This accomplishment adds to the record he already holds. Djokovic’s victories in three of the four Grand Slam tournaments — the Australian Open in January, French Open in June, and US Open in September have raised his career total to a men’s-record 24. In addition, Djokovic clinched the victory at the ATP Finals last month, leading the tour with seven titles and a season record of 56-7.

The 36-year-old from Serbia reclaimed the top ranking from Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated him in a five-set final at the All England Club in July. Alcaraz finished the year at No. 2 after taking turns with Djokovic for the No. 1 position throughout the year.

Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek secured the WTA’s year-end No. 1 ranking for the second consecutive year by winning the WTA Finals last month. Swiatek overtook Aryna Sabalenka, with Coco Gauff finishing at No. 3, Elena Rybakina at No. 4, and Jessica Pegula at No. 5.

Djokovic broke his own record for the oldest player to end the season at the top of the ATP rankings. At 34 in 2021, he surpassed previous record-holder Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Jimmy Connors.

Other notable rankings include Daniil Medvedev at No. 3, Jannik Sinner at a career-best No. 4, and Alexander Zverev at No. 7. It is also worth mentioning that Alcaraz and Rune are both 20, marking the first time two men that young ended a season in the top 10 since 2000.

Additionally, there are three 19-year-olds in the top 100, including Arthur Fils, Luca Van Assche, and Alex Michelsen, an American who remarkably jumped 504 spots from last year to No. 97. Furthermore, the United States boasts the most men in the top 20, with four players making the cut.