TURIN, November 13, 2023 (ATP Press Release)

Novak Djokovic clinched his record-extending eighth ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by Pepperstone finish on Sunday when he defeated Holger Rune in his opening match at the Nitto ATP Finals.

After a back-and-forth battle for the honour with Carlos Alcaraz throughout the 2023 season, Djokovic has emerged on top. The Serbian also extended his record as oldest year-end No. 1 in Pepperstone ATP Rankings history. Two years ago he was the oldest to finish the season in top spot aged 34, and he has beaten his own mark by repeating the feat aged 36.

Congratulations NOVAK.

A team effort @DjokerNole | #NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/zAI18lNE6I

— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 13, 2023

“It means a lot, obviously. You could see there were a lot of emotions on the court… I could feel it,” Djokovic said. “I was very eager to win tonight’s match, get that so-to-say monkey off my back. I’ve won Paris, which put me in a much better position rankings-wise and I knew that coming into Torino all I had to do is win one match. So obviously a big objective, big goal is achieved. Everything else now is a bonus.”

Djokovic is now two year-end No. 1 finishes clear of Pete Sampras, who is second on the historic list with six year-end No. 1 campaigns. The Serbian has earned the honour in eight of the past 13 seasons.

MOST ATP YEAR-END NO. 1 PRESENTED BY PEPPERSTONE FINISHES

By clinching year-end No. 1, Djokovic will enjoy his record 400th week atop the Pepperstone ATP Rankings beginning 20 November.

Djokovic has spent 25 weeks in top spot in 2023. World No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings changed seven times this year between the Serbian and Alcaraz.

A winner of six titles so far this season — tied for the most on the ATP Tour with Alcaraz — Djokovic won three of the season’s four majors. He lifted the trophy at the Australian Open, Roland Garros and the US Open.

Now a 24-time major champion, Djokovic captured three Slams in a year for the fourth time in his career (also 2011, 2015 and 2021). He stands alone with the most major titles in the history of men’s tennis.

The 36-year-old triumphed in Cincinnati and Paris to add two more ATP Masters 1000 trophies to his collection. Djokovic has now won a record 40 titles at that elite level.

DJOKOVIC 2023 STATS

Djokovic, who also emerged victorious in Adelaide, owns a 52-5 record following his opening victory in Turin. His 91 per cent win rate in 2023 is nearly eight per cent higher than his career average according to Infosys ATP Stats.

ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said: “Becoming year-end No. 1 is an incredible accomplishment. To achieve it eight times is absolutely extraordinary. Novak continues to set the standard in tennis, and his passion and drive make him a true champion. There’s no doubt that more greatness and records lie ahead in his journey.”