In a historic performance at the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, Novak Djokovic clinched the year-end world number one ranking for an unprecedented eighth time.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion triumphed over Holger Rune in a gripping Green Group match, prevailing 7-6 (7-4), 6-7 (1-7), 6-3 on Sunday.
Djokovic, 36, showcased his resilience, breaking Rune’s challenge in a thrilling encounter that saw him extend his winning streak to 19 consecutive matches.
The Serbian maestro secured his status as the all-time major titles record-holder in 2023, winning three Grand Slams.
Despite Rune, 20, making his ATP Finals debut and claiming an early lead, Djokovic’s experience shone through.
The Serb’s victory puts him on track for a potential seventh ATP Finals title, aiming to surpass Roger Federer’s record of six, achieved last year.
In a post-match interview with Prime Video, Djokovic described the match as challenging, acknowledging Rune’s formidable baseline shots.
Reflecting on the emotional win, Djokovic said, “It took everything. After a really terrible second-set tie-break, I think I played a really solid third set.”
In another notable match, home favorite Jannik Sinner, seeded fourth, secured a straight-sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas. Sinner, 22, expressed his excitement, stating, “I am happy to start off with a win and hopefully I can continue with this intensity.”
Sinner, who qualified for the ATP Finals on merit, had an impressive year, reaching his first Grand Slam semi-final at Wimbledon and clinching his maiden Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open.
The ATP Finals features eight of the year’s top men’s players vying for a spot in the semi-finals.