2021 has undoubtedly been Novak Djokovic's year. The Serbian legend won three Grand Slam titles and enjoyed a magnificent 27-1 win-loss record at the Majors this season. His incredible performances on court also helped him finish the year at the top of the ATP rankings.
Novak Djokovic broke many records in 2021. At a time when Next Gen players have been showcasing phenomenal skills on the court, Djokovic stood tall and delivered some dominant performances. Many players and experts, including the likes of Daniil Medvedev, have hailed him as the 'GOAT'.
@TennisTV @DjokerNole Novak's 2021 season🔥Records achieved:✅Most slams (tied)✅Most weeks as #1 (353)✅Most Year End #1 (7)✅Most masters 1000✅Double career slam✅Most top 10 wins✅Most top 5 wins✅Oldest Year End #1 (34.5)✅Most consecutive slam wins in a season (27)Not too bad.😀👏🍾
Here are the records Novak Djokovic broke during the 2021 season.
Most number of weeks as World No.1
In March 2021, Djokovic overtook Roger Federer for the most number of weeks as World No.1. He has held that position for 349 weeks, 39 more than Federer.
Novak Djokovic first became World No. 1 on July 4, 2011. In that decade alone (2010s), he remained in the position for 275 weeks and was later adjuged the 'player of the decade'. In this decade, the only other player to be World No. 1 was Rafael Nadal - he held the position for only four weeks.
Most year-end World No.1 finishes
After winning the 2021 Paris Masters, Novak Djokovic broke Pete Sampras' record as the player who has ended the year as World No. 1 on the most occasions. This was the seventh time Djokovic has achieved this feat.
Most years between the first and last year-end No. 1 seasons: 12 - Rafael Nadal (2008-2019)11 - Novak Djokovic (2011-2021)6 - Roger Federer (2004-2009)6 - Pete Sampras (1993-1998)5 - Ivan Lendl (1985-1989)5 - Jimmy Connors (1974-1978)
Most number of Masters titles
Novak Djokovic reached yet another historic milestone at the 2021 Paris Masters, going past Rafael Nadal's tally of 36 Masters titles. The triumph in Paris was the only Masters win for the Serb this year.
Djokovic is the only player to win all nine Masters 1000 titles in the sport's history. Intriguingly, he has managed to win every Masters 1000 title at least twice.
Most number of Australian Open titles
Novak Djokovic beat his own record by winning a hat-trick of titles at the Australian Open this year. He has now conquered Melbourne nine times in his career and is way ahead of his arch-rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, in this respect.
If Djokovic wins the Australian Open next year, he will become the second player after Rafael Nadal to win a single Major at least 10 times in the Open Era.
The only player to win every Major at least twice in the Open Era
After defeating Nadal and emerging victorious at Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic became the only player in the Open Era to win every Major at least twice. He is also the only player to beat Nadal twice at the French Open.
Most number of Grand Slams (Tied)
Novak Djokovic equaled Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's Grand Slam tally after getting his hands on his sixth Wimbledon title. The Serbian defeated Matteo Berrettini in the finals to capture his 20th Grand Slam.
Incredibly, in 2010 Djokovic had just one Grand Slam title to his name, compared to Federer's 16 and Nadal's 4. The dynamic has changed completely now and in all probability, he will end his career with the most number of Grand Slams.
Most number of Grand Slam finals (tied)
Even though Djokovic failed to win the Calendar Slam, he managed to equal another of Federer's records - that of playing in 31 Grand Slam finals.
With next season fast approaching, all eyes will be on Novak Djokovic and fans will expect him to achieve even more success in 2022.
Also Read: Rafael Nadal says Novak Djokovic is "best positioned" to finish his career with the most Grand Slams
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