Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has solidified his tennis legacy with an eighth year-end No. 1 finish, a record-breaking achievement in the sport. Reflecting on his 2023 journey, Djokovic dubbed it "one of the best" seasons of his illustrious career.
His road to this remarkable feat was marked by a stellar victory against Holger Rune at the ATP Finals, securing another year atop the rankings. Despite participating in a relatively small number of tournaments—12 in total—Djokovic triumphed in six, including three Grand Slam titles, a testament to his unwavering dedication to excellence.
Acknowledging the exceptional season, Djokovic expressed, “One of the best years. I wouldn't say the best, but one of the best...winning three out of four Slams and playing a final in the fourth—it's quite nice to have that kind of situation.”
Comparing this season to his previous dominant years where he won three out of four Slams, Djokovic noted the differences in the number of tournaments played and matches won. He attributed his success in 2023 to peaking at crucial tournaments, emphasizing the importance of timing in his achievements.
While he marked the Grand Slam season as exceptional, his 19-match winning streak since Wimbledon added to the significance of this year's accomplishments.
This season's notable achievements include securing three out of the four Grand Slams, a feat he previously accomplished in 2011 and 2015, with impressive records of 70-6 and 82-6, respectively. However, 2023 holds a distinct place in his heart due to its unique circumstances and successes.
The ATP Finals became the stage for Djokovic's year-end triumph, where he emphasized the significance of achieving the No. 1 ranking and his eagerness to accomplish this milestone early on. For Djokovic, the year-end No. 1 ranking has always been a pivotal goal, second only to Grand Slam victories.
As Djokovic prepared for his upcoming match against Jannik Sinner, he acknowledged Sinner's formidable form and the backing of the enthusiastic Italian crowd. Despite never losing to Sinner, Djokovic anticipated a challenging match and geared up to face his opponent and the fervent home support.
(With Agency Inputs)
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