Paris: Ace tennis player Novak Djokovic was awarded season-ending world number one for seventh time on Saturday. The 34-year-old Serbian had previously shared the record with Pete Sampras, but he earned sole control when he defeated Hubert Hurkacz of Poland 3-6, 6-0, 7-6 (7/5) in the Paris Masters final.
It was a dream come true moment for the 20-time Grand Slam winner, who returned to claim the number one ranking unilaterally after a seven-week absence following his defeat in the US Open final in September.
“It is a dream for me as Pete was my idol when I was a young boy,” said Djokovic.
“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.”
Djokovic may take some solace in the knowledge that he had denied US Open final champion Daniil Medvedev the world number one place, despite the fact that the Russian conceded his prospects of unseating the Serbian were poor.
The two might meet in the final on Sunday, as Medvedev faces the guy he defeated in last year’s final, Alexander Zverev, in the second semi-final.
On the other hand, Hurkacz, 24, has enjoyed a breakout season, winning the Miami Masters, reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals, and qualifying for the season-ending ATP Finals on Friday. He might have topped it all by defeating Djokovic, but he confessed the Serbian had the advantage in critical circumstances.
“Novak is such a great player, great competitor,” said Hurkacz. “He’s just super solid in the very important moments.
“His return is really amazing. So just puts a lot of pressure on you. I always have to fight for every single point. It’s very, very intense, ” Hurkacz signed off.
 in the Paris Masters final. ){kind=link}