TURIN, Italy (AP) — Novak Djokovic patted his chest, crouched down, placed his right hand on the court and looked inward.
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 over 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.
After this tournament, Djokovic will become the first player to hold No. 1 for 400 weeks, with Roger Federer at 310 the only other man to eclipse the 300-week mark.
If Djokovic raises the trophy next weekend, he’ll break a tie with Federer and capture a record seventh title at the finals.
“A big goal is achieved; everything else now is a bonus,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic has won 19 straight matches stretching back to his five-set loss to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final in July.
Earlier in the same group, Jannik Sinner beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-4.
Djokovic ended a close first set with a blazing forehand return winner — then flexed his right biceps and held the pose for a few moments before unleashing an authoritative fist pump.
The 20-year-old Rune was making his debut at the season-ending tournament for the year’s top eight players and pushed Djokovic to a deciding set for a fourth straight time in five career meetings.
Djokovic also beat Rune in three tight sets at the Paris Masters this month.
After Djokovic gave up an early break in the third, he broke two rackets with his foot before sitting down for the changeover. But he quickly regained his composure — and the lead — before finishing the match off shortly after midnight.
