Novak Djokovic It is now officially the final world number one this year. The ATP announced it as soon as the participation table for next week’s 250 tournament was formed, in Sofia (Bulgaria). As expected, Rafa Nadal he did not sign up, thus he cannot reach the Serbian in the ranking.
A pure formality, as ‘Nole’ already knew, who at 33 equals the record of his childhood idol, the American Pete Sampras, concluding in front of the classification for the sixth time. They did it five times both Rafa Nadal (2008, 2010, 2013, 2017 and 2019) and Roger Federer (2004 to 2007 and 2009), which in this section are behind the Balkan.
Djokovic signed up for the tournament One because he knew that with two victories he tied the number 1, knowing that in no case Nadal would go to Sofia. Having achieved that goal in the Austrian capital, he had no qualms about losing in the quarterfinals to the Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-2 and 6-1.
The Serbian snatched the number one from Rafa Nadal on February 3 after winning the Australian Open, and is on his way to hitting Roger Federer’s 310-week record. Currently he has 293, he would surpass the Swiss on March 8, 2021 if he maintains the leadership until then.
Pete was someone I looked up to when I was little. It is a dream come true
Novak Djokovic had already been No. 1 in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2018. Pete Sampras was consecutively from 1993 to 1998.
“Pete was someone I looked up to when I was little, so matching his record is a dream come true. I will continue to strive to be a better player, hopefully be more successful and break more records in a sport that I love with all my heart, “said Novak Djokovic in the official ATP statement.
This campaign has won the crowns of the ATP Cup by countries, Australia, Dubai, Cincinnati and Rome, but was disqualified in the round of 16 of the US Open, against Pablo Carreño, and overwhelmed in the final of Roland Garros by Rafa Nadal.
Will compete in ATP London Finals from November 15 to 22, with the option of another record, reaching the six titles of Roger Federer.
