Djokovic first to qualify for ATP World Tour Finals

Originally published on 09/07/14

Since losing the world No.1 ranking to Rafael Nadal in September 2013 the Serb has been in superb form, losing just four matches. He has picked up three Masters titles this year in Rome, Miami and Indian Wells, and his recent win at Wimbledon ensured his qualification for the end-of-year finals for the eighth year in a row.

"It feels great not only to win Wimbledon again but also to return to No. 1 in the rankings,” said the Serb, who has won the ATP Finals for the past two years. “I got to No. 1 for the first time in my career after winning Wimbledon in 2011 so it is nice to do it again here. I can't wait to return to London to defend the ATP Finals title. I have had a good run there in the past two years. I really enjoy playing at The O2."

Djokovic is currently in his 102nd week at the top of the rankings – the eighth-longest overall reign. He was world No.1 for the first time in July 2011 and is a three-time winner of the ATP World Tour finals, which run from November 9-16.

ATP executive chairman and president Chris Kermode said: “We are delighted that Novak has become the first player to book his place at this year's Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 in London. He is having an outstanding season and is fully deserving of his place as current World No.1. Fans in the UK and around the world will already be looking forward to welcoming back this year's Wimbledon champion to London in November, where he'll be looking to win a third successive season-ending title.”

Nadal is not far behind Djokovic in the Race to London rankings but a number of places are still up for grabs. Grigor Dimitrov's semi-final run at Wimbledon saw him move up to No.6 while David Ferrer and Ernests Gulbis slipped out of the qualifying places due to their early exits at SW19. Tickets for the finals can be purchased from www.barclaysatpworldtourfinals.com

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here