Official: Novak Djokovic sets a record for Pete Sampras
Novak Djokovic will be number one in the tennis world rankings by the end of 2020. This has been clear since Friday evening. Rafael Nadal was the only one who could have caught up with the Serbs, but the Spaniard, as expected, will not take part in the ATP 250 tournament in Sofia next week, as can be seen from the tournament grid on Friday evening .
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Nov 06, 2020, 10:45 pm
At 33, Djokovic is the oldest year-end number one of all time. After 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2018 he is on the throne for the sixth time at the turn of the year. He draws level with his childhood idol Pete Sampras, who was the best tennis player six times between 1993 and 1998.
"Pete was someone I looked up to, so this record is like a dream come true," said Djokovic. "I will continue to strive to become a better player, have more successes and break more records."
2003 was the last year that a player outside the Big 4 of Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray was on top. At that time, the American Andy Roddick ended the year as the best actor on the ATP Tour.
Djokovic "cemented his name in the history books"
In 2020 Djokovic won four titles, including the major at the Australian Open and two Masters titles. He also won the first edition of the ATP Cup with Serbia. He has a match record of 39-3 and won the first 26 matches of the season.
Djokovic has already overtaken Sampras in another rating: While the US-American was number one in the world for a total of 286 weeks, Djokovic's 294th week begins on Monday as an industry leader. Should the 17-time Grand Slam winner remain the best tennis player until March 8, 2021, he would trump Roger Federer's record of 310.
Djokovic is at the ATP Finals of the eight best players of the season for the 13th time. "Finishing the year as number one is one of the greatest achievements in our sport," said Andrea Gaudenzi, chairman of the ATP. "It takes sustained excellence over an entire season. That Novak is setting Pete's record is unimaginable, he is cementing his name in the history books."