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Novak Djokovic US Open 2021

Novak Djokovic crowned ITF World champion for a record-breaking seventh time


After being named International Tennis Federation (ITF) World champion for a record seventh time, Novak Djokovic called the achievement “a great honour” after such a successful season.

This year, World number one Djokovic was chasing history as he vied to complete both a Golden Slam and a Calendar Slam, although he fell just short after losing in the US Open final and the semi-finals of the rescheduled 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

In his quest for such historic achievements, Djokovic still won three of the four Grand Slams this season when he won the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon. These Slam wins put him level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 Grand Slam titles.

As a result of these successes, Djokovic ended the season as the Year End number one for a record-breaking seventh time at the Paris Masters, surpassing American legend Pete Sampras who had won the title six times.

The Paris Masters was Djokovic’s 37th Masters title, another record the Serbian broke this year. Djokovic and Nadal were tied with 36 before Djokovic’s win at Paris-Bercy.

On winning the prestigious award, Djokovic said “after such a rewarding year for me, my team, family and fans it is a great honour to be named the ITF World Champion for the seventh time.

“I am very grateful and proud for the results I’ve achieved and fortunate I had a chance to compete for the Serbian national team, too.”

Women’s World number one Ashleigh Barty won her second World Champion title, whilst Croatian doubles duo Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic won the men’s doubles award and Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova won the women’s doubles award for a second time.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.