The World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has equalled former champion Pete Sampras record of ending the year at the numero uno position for the sixth time in his career. Djokovic has virtually ensured that he bags the record and he will finish at the top of the ATP rankings if Rafael Nadal doesn’t participate in the Sofia event next month.

Djokovic has almost bagged the record after he made his way into the quarterfinals of the Vienna Open after defeating Croatia’s Borna Coric 7-6 (13-11) 6-3. However, if the 33-year old goes on to win the ongoing tournament on Sunday, he will achieve the milestone irrespective of Rafael Nadal’s participation in Sofia.

The Serb has been in top form in 2020 as he has bagged 39 wins and has lost only two matches. Djokovic has finished as the number one Tennis player in the rankings in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2018.

On the other hand, Pete Sampras achieved the illustrious landmark in six consecutive years between 1993 and 1998.

“Sampras was my childhood idol growing up and it will be amazing to tie his record by being the year-end world number one six times,” Djokovic said on Sunday. 

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have achieved the same milestone on five occasions in their glorious career.

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic is also targeting another Roger Federer’s record. Djokovic is currently enjoying his 292nd week at the number one ranking. Roger has a record of spending 310 weeks at the pole position in the ATP rankings. If Djokovic is able to maintain his top position till 8th March 2021, he will leapfrog Federer’s record.

Djokovic has a solid lead currently over the World no. 2 Rafael Nadal. The Serb has 11740 points under his belt whereas Nadal has 9850 points in his bag.