La Jornada – Djokovic crowned ITF world champion for the seventh time

World men’s tennis number one Novak Djokovic was named the International Tennis Federation world champion in 2021 for the seventh time, while women’s number one Ash Barty achieved his second crown, the organization said Thursday. .

Djokovic, who finished the year as number one for the seventh time to set a record, won the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon, although he failed to be a champion at the Tokyo Olympics and the US Open in his pursuit. of a rare “Golden Grand Slam”.

The Serbian was tied with Pete Sampras of the United States for six title victories first awarded in 1978. Barty, who won his first Wimbledon title this year and a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in mixed doubles, had won the award. in 2019.

“After such a rewarding year for me, my team, my family and the fans, it is a great honor to be named ITF World Champion for the seventh time,” said Djokovic. “I am very grateful and proud for the results I achieved and fortunate to have had the opportunity to also compete with the Serbian national team.”

Djokovic is tied with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in 20 Grand Slams and could make the record his own if he wins next month’s Australian Open, a tournament he has won more times than anyone else – nine times.

The Croatian duo of Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic were named ITF Men’s Doubles World Champion after winning nine titles this season, while Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova claimed the women’s doubles award for the second time.