Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has equalled the record of Pete Sampras of most number of year-end No. 1 titles. Expressing satisfaction, he said that he fulfilled his childhood dream. Djokovic for the sixth time, has finished on top of the singles standings, emulating Sampras’ feat. “Pete was somebody I looked up to when I was growing up, so to match his record is a dream come true. 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,” he was quoted by ATP.
Djokovic was assured of the year-end World No. 1 position when the Sophia draw was published on Friday. Rafael Nadal, was the only player who could have ousted Djokovic from the top spot. However, he decided not to play in the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) 250 event. Djokovic has been the No. 1 in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2020.
He also has a chance to the break Roger Federer’s record of staying at the top of ATP rankings for the highest number of weeks. On Monday, he will enter his 294th week as the No. 1 and will go past Federer if he is able to be on top until March 8, 2021.