Twenty-time Grand Slam Novak Djokovic defeated Hubert Hurkacz in the semifinals of the 2021 Paris Masters. Despite losing the opening set, Djokovic sealed the victory in a closely contested third-set tiebreaker.
With the victory, the Serbian has assured himself of ending the season as the World No.1 for a historic seventh time in his career. Djokovic has now broken Pete Sampras’ record of finishing as the year-end No.1 six times.
He stands alone ☝️@DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/mfuRqofrVC
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 6, 2021
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Novak Djokovic clinches year-end No.1 ranking
The 34-year-old has finished as the year-end No.1 in seven of the last 11 seasons, which speaks volumes about his dominance over the past decade. He has attained the feat in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020, and now in 2021.
His arch-rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, stand at the third position on the list – having ended as the year-end No.1 five times in their career.
After Djokovic added another record to his list of achievements, Serena Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou expressed his admiration for the Serbian’s fighting spirit.
This one was so important for Novak. Year end No1 once again and fighting and winning in a pressure match… His celebration at the end says it all.
— Patrick Mouratoglou (@pmouratoglou) November 6, 2021
Interestingly, Twitter went berserk after Djokovic secured the year-end No.1 for the seventh time. Fans have been congratulating Djokovic over his historic feat, hailing him as the ‘greatest player of all time’.
One stands above all others. Congratulations, @DjokerNole!⁰ 👏
7 Novak Djokovic
6 Pete Sampras
5 Jimmy Connors
5 Roger Federer
5 Rafael Nadal #RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/v7iCRdDQuR— ROLEX PARIS MASTERS (@RolexPMasters) November 6, 2021
THE SUPER SERB 🇷🇸☝️@DjokerNole fights past Hurkacz 3-6 6-0 7-6(5) to ensure he will surpass Pete Sampras' six year-end No.1 finishes!#RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/AVYDpSRTR6
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 6, 2021
🏆 2011
🏆 2012
🏆 2014
🏆 2015
🏆 2018
🏆 2020
🏆 2021Simply incredible, @DjokerNole 👏 @FedEx pic.twitter.com/DTmYrmQfUw
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 6, 2021
This man amazes me everytime. I cannot describe what I'm feeling right now, but is related to joy.
— John Wilmer Rubio (@JohnWilmerRubio) November 6, 2021
The greatest 👍👏👏
— OrvilleLloydDouglas🇨🇦🏳️🌈 (@OrvilleLloyd) November 6, 2021
THE GOAT 🔥🐐
— Gino (@Cesar76047439) November 6, 2021
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My heart is so full of joy! What a day and a privilege to be @DjokerNole fan! ❤️ Congratulations!! 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
— Isidora (@IzMogUgla) November 6, 2021
After ousting Hurkacz, Djokovic has reached a record 54th Masters 1000 final. On Sunday, he would aim to win a record-breaking 37th Masters 1000 crown. Up next, Djokovic faces either Daniil Medvedev or Alexander Zverev in the final of the Paris Masters.
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The 2021 season has arguably been Djokovic’s greatest season ever. In fact, this season would rank as one of the greatest seasons by any tennis player in history. The Serbian won three consecutive Grand Slam titles this year and was just a win away from achieving the Calendar Grand Slam.
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