By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday November 6, 2020
Novak Djokovic took this week off in Paris, but that didn’t keep the Serb from racking up a heady milestone. When next week’s Sofia draw was made without Rafael Nadal in it, Djokovic officially locked up his sixth year-end ATP No.1 ranking.
Djokovic joins Pete Sampras atop the all-time list, leaving Roger Federer, Nadal and Jimmy Connors a rung lower on the ladder with five.
“Pete was somebody I looked up to when I was growing up, so to match his record is a dream come true” said Djokovic. “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.”
Djokovic also sets as the oldest year-end No.1 in ATP history, surpassing Nadal from last year.
Djokovic, who is enjoying his 294th week as the ATP’s No.1, is just 16 weeks from tying Federer for the most weeks at No.1 all-time. Other than racking up more Grand Slams—he currently has 17—Djokovic lists the No.1 milestone as one of his top remaining priorities.
“My desire is still huge. I love and enjoy this game,” he said after Roland Garros this year. “My professional goals stay the same—historic No.1 ranking and Grand Slam titles. If I achieve the former, which I intend to do next year, my hope will turn even more to Grand Slam tournaments in terms of approach energy and schedule.”