Novak Djokovic will end 2014 at the summit of the ATP rankings for a third time in four years after completing a 3-0 record in the round robin phase of the World Tour Finals to book his semi-finals ticket on Friday.
The top seed defeated Czech Tomas Berdych 6-2 6-2 at the O2 Arena, London, to top Group A and book a date with Group B runners-up Kei Nishikori in Saturday’s semi-final.
The Serb, 27, will now be looking to claim a third consecutive ATP World Tour Finals title- his fourth title overall following his maiden victory in 2008. Ivan Lendl was the last player to win three straight titles at the season finale (1985-87).
This is the 11th consecutive season the year-end No. 1 ranking is held by either Djokovic, Roger Federer (2004-07, ’09) or Rafael Nadal (2008, ‘10, ’13). No other trio has dominated the ATP rankings for that long since 1973 (when it began taking account).
Djokovic is only the fourth player- after Lendl, Federer and Nadal (twice) – to hold, lose and regain the year-end ATP No. 1 ranking. He first ascended to the ATP No. 1 ranking following his first Wimbleldon triumph on July 4, 2011, and held it for 53 weeks. He reclaimed No. 1 from Federer on 5 November 2012, before relinquishing it to Nadal on 7 October 2013.
He said: “In my private life, even in my professional life, it (2014) was probably the best year overall. I’ve been married and became a father just recently, it’s an incredible feeling. Standing here next to this trophy, it’s the crown for all the achievements in these 12 months. It’s amazing, it’s a beautiful feeling, and I’m full of joy.”
Djokovic’s victory at Wimbledon (his seventh Grand Slam title) this year saw him return to the summit of world tennis game on July 7. Overall, he has an 18-5 record against Top 10 opponents in 2014 and has won six titles, including Masters 1000s in Indian Wells, Miami, Rome; the China Open in Beijing and the Paris Masters. He came close to completing all four Grand Slams triumph at Roland Garros but lost to Nadal in the final.
