Djokovic clinches 8th year-end top ranking triumph

Novak Djokovic patted his chest, crouched down, placed his right hand on the court and looked inward.

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It was clearly a moment to cherish for the 24-time Grand Slam champion after securing the year-end No. 1 ranking for a record-extending eighth time.

Djokovic needed only one match win at the ATP Finals to be sure of keeping the top spot and he did it in his opener, beating Holger Rune 7-6 (4), 6-7 (1), 6-3 in a match spanning more than three hours on Sunday and into Monday morning.

"It was a very emotional and tough win because of the significance of tonight's match," Djokovic said. "That was added pressure, and attention." "It means a lot," Djokovic added. "You could see there was a lot of emotions on the court. I could feel it. I was very eager to win tonight's match and get that monkey off my back." The 36-year-old Djokovic had already moved ahead of previous record holder Pete Sampras (six years at No. 1) two years ago. Carlos Alcaraz took the honors last year.