Novak Djokovic grabbed the year-end No. 1 ranking again with an early morning win at the ATP Finals, with the veteran Serb keeping it simple despite struggling at times to beat Holger Rune.
The group win in Turin at the eight-man season wrapup assured the 24-time Grand Slam winner of the season’s top spot; he had needed to win only one match here and managed after three hours to defeat Boris Becker-coached Rune 7-6 (4), 6-7 (1), 6-3.
“I really wanted that to happen already tonight. I didn’t want to prolong in a way the situation and complicate in a way this particular goal,” the 36-year-old said.
“I’m really glad that I managed to do that tonight.
“It always has been a huge objective and huge goal of mine to be No. 1 in the world.
“Other than Grand Slams, that’s what counts the most. To finish off the year as No. 1 in the world at this stage of my life and career is something really amazing.”
Djokovic added: “At the beginning of the year, I really wasn’t prioritising that, I must say. I was prioritising more the Grand Slams… I think I put myself in a very good position to fight for year-end No. 1”
Main photo:- Novak Djokovic World No. 1 – Graphic by ATPTour.com
