Novak Djokovic speaks on stage during the Men's Singles championship trophy presentation at the 2021 US Open, Sunday, Sep. 12, 2021 in Flushing, NY. (Darren Carroll/USTA)
Novak Djokovic revealed his record breaking world No.1 ranking this week was a special moment because he had overtaken his boyhood rival Pete Sampras.
Djokovic had taken a break from the game for seven weeks but said it was good to be back as he prepared to face Daniil Medvedev in the Paris Masters final on Sunday.
The Serb had previously jointly held the record of six with Sampras, but the semi-final win over Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz gave him the record outright.
“It is a dream for me as Pete was my idol when I was a young boy,” Djokovic said.
“To arrive at this moment is not just my achievement but my team’s. It is wonderful to be in this position.
“I am very proud to finish number one and what a match to do it in. It was so tight right to the last point but I am a very happy man now obviously.
“I am overwhelmed with all the beautiful positive emotions.”
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