The relentless efforts of Novak Djokovic have paid off! After turning pro in 2003, the 36-year-old Serbian tennis player had one of the best years on the tennis court. Currently, as a 24-time Grand Slam Champion playing in the ATP Finals, he has achieved an unforgettable milestone of achieving the year-end number one ranking for a record-breaking 8th time.

But do you know this achievement was far more important than many other triumphs and hence filled with emotions for the Serb? After winning his first-round match against Holger Rune, the world’s number one tennis player shared a passionate statement about achieving the unthinkable.

Novak Djokovic opens up about clinching the year-end #1 ranking 

After winning the Paris Masters and staying dominant on the tennis court, it’s time for the Serbian tennis player to get what he deserves. Djokovic will now end the 2023 tennis season by ranking in the #1 position after his first-round victory at the ATP Finals. The 24-time Grand Slam champion got a little emotional after winning the game and securing his position.

In a post-match interview, Djokovic talked about the importance of the first-round match that he won against Rune. “The significance of tonight’s match.. knowing if I won I’d clinch the #1 ranking. It means a lot. You could see there was a lot of emotions on the court. I could feel it. I was eager to win tonight & get that monkey off my back. I won Paris, which put me in a much better position rankings-wise.”

This marks the eighth time that he will finish the year comfortably sitting in the number one position. In addition, he is now guaranteed to have a 400th career week at the number one position on the ATP rankings after the tournament, giving a memorable end to the year. Along with that, he also hinted at his satisfaction with how he had achieved a significant milestone.

He stated, “A big goal is achieved. Everything else now is a bonus.” What is the goal that the 24-time Grand Slam champion talked about? Let’s take a look at the Serb’s goal of the year, which the world-number-one ranked tennis player revealed.

READ MORE – Frustration Gets the Better of Novak Djokovic as He Shows His Rage on Rackets in High-Octane Contest at ATP Finals 2023

When Djokovic revealed his goal of the year 

Even after winning 3 out of 4 Grand Slam tournaments and clinching numerous ATP titles, Djokovic has his mind on something else. A few days ago, in an interview with the ATP media, Djokovic talked about the major goal he has to achieve before the year ends. He said, “For me, the biggest goal right now is to end the season as the No. 1 player in the world, so hopefully I can clinch it. I need one win, so hopefully that happens.” 

Achieving what he had set out to do – ending the year as the world number one – and subsequently turning emotional was something that displayed his true feelings towards the sport – his dedication and determination on the court. What do you think about Djokovic achieving his ultimate goals for the year? Do you think he might clinch the title at Turin as well? Let us know in the comments section below.

WATCH THIS STORY – Serena Williams pays tribute to Roger Federer