MY ACCOUNT
Novak Djokovic will wait until he is retired to assess his stunning feats but recognises rankings records as “the paramount achievement of our sport”.
The Serbian will finish the year as the world number one for a seventh time, a new record having previously been tied with Pete Sampras on six.
Djokovic, who also leads the way with 345 weeks at the top all-time, secured his position by advancing to the Paris Masters final with a last-four win over Hubert Hurkacz on Saturday.
“Every achievement is special,” said the 20-time major champion. “I try to make myself aware of the fact that I am in a very unique position.
“It’s difficult for me to understand the magnitude of these achievements, not just for myself but for the sport while I’m still [an] active player.
“Probably when I retire, I’ll be able to reflect on that a little bit more and appreciate it a little bit more.
“Of course I’m very appreciative and grateful for it now, but what is the next challenge is always in your mind while you’re an active player. It’s constantly another task, another tournament.
“So [I] don’t have really much time to enjoy the success, so to say, because you always have to turn the next page.”
However, he added: “Being historically [the] number one-ranked player in the world is probably the paramount achievement of our sport.
“Also, finishing the season as year-end number one requires full commitment throughout the entire year and consistency and playing the best tennis in the biggest events, which accumulate the most points that enable you to be highly ranked. So that’s what I have done this year.”
Djokovic will have his work cut out as he pursues a 37th Masters 1000 title, now facing Daniil Medvedev, the man who denied him the calendar Grand Slam in the US Open final.
“The job is not done,” added Djokovic. “Obviously reaching the finals of one of the biggest tournaments that we have in our sport on our tour is something that stands out regardless of the year-end achievement that is completed.
“So hopefully going to have another great match and then take it from there.
“For now I am just proud and extremely happy. Obviously that was one of the biggest goals and it’s always one of the biggest goals, to try to be number one and end the season as number one.
“To do it for the record seventh time and surpass my childhood idol and role model, Pete, is incredible. Very grateful, very blessed to be in this position.
“I wasn’t bored without tennis, but I like competing so I was looking forward to coming to Paris and the biggest reason coming here was to clinch the year-end number one.
“Now that I managed to do it, it’s a huge relief, as well.”
