Novak Djokovic was named this year's men's ITF World Champion for the eighth time in his career after a splendid 2023 season on the ATP Tour.
Djokovic was on par with WTA legend Steffi Graf for the most titles in this prestigious list, with seven, having last won the award in 2021. But there was no denying that Djokovic was head and shoulders above his peers in 2023 and deservedly pulled clear at the summit.
Pete Sampras is the second male player on the list, now two accolades behind the Serbian superstar. The World Champion award follows a campaign in which Djokovic played in all four Grand Slam finals and managed to top the podium three times.
He was denied a shot at the Calendar Grand Slam by the incredible talents of Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon. Still, Djokovic had the last laugh, managing to equal the longstanding Grand Slam record count in singles held by Australian tennis legend Margaret Court with 24 titles.
There is no superlative to describe Djokovic's season, which was quite simply one of his very best, if not the best. He played just 12 ATP tournaments but won seven titles. He turned 36 mid-season and competed against a vibrant and energetic field rich in young players with zeal and power.
Yet, his experience and mental strength won the day. Djokovic clinched the year-end No. 1 ranking in the season's final tournament, fending off the spirited challenge of Carlos Alcaraz. It was also the eighth time he hoisted the year-end No. 1 trophy at the season finale, beating his record of being the oldest year-end ATP No. 1.
Djokovic finished the season with a bitter taste as Serbia lost to eventual champion Italy in the Davis Cup semifinals. The 36-year-old was partly culpable for losing the tie after spurning three successive match points against Jannik Sinner in the match-clinching rubber.
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