'Super proud' Djokovic feels 'mixed emotions' as he ends year as number one

The Serbian is now level with his childhood hero Pete Sampras, who ended six straight years at the pinnacle of men's tennis between 1993 and 1998.

London: Serbian star Novak Djokovic on Sunday stepped out on the court before the opening singles match of the ATP Finals in London to receive his trophy for clinching the year-end number one ranking for a record-equalling sixth time.

The Serbian is now level with his childhood hero Pete Sampras, who ended six straight years at the pinnacle of men's tennis between 1993 and 1998.

Djokovic, who is also chasing a sixth ATP Finals title, begins his campaign on Monday against Diego Schwartzman.

Novak Djokovic said on Sunday he was "super proud" to clinch the year-end number one ranking for a record-equalling sixth time.

• Even though I’m standing by myself here, this trophy equally belongs to all of my family, #TeamDjokovic, #NoleFam, and people who always believed in me and tirelessly supported me on this wonderful journey. I am very happy to celebrate another big milestone here in London. pic.twitter.com/GtL4dPZft5

  — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) November 16, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="

  Even though I’m standing by myself here, this trophy equally belongs to all of my family, #TeamDjokovic, #NoleFam, and people who always believed in me and tirelessly supported me on this wonderful journey. I am very happy to celebrate another big milestone here in London. pic.twitter.com/GtL4dPZft5

  — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) November 16, 2020

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  Even though I’m standing by myself here, this trophy equally belongs to all of my family, #TeamDjokovic, #NoleFam, and people who always believed in me and tirelessly supported me on this wonderful journey. I am very happy to celebrate another big milestone here in London. pic.twitter.com/GtL4dPZft5

  — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) November 16, 2020

But he also admitted that the current coronavirus pandemic meant he had "mixed emotions" about his achievement.

"I still feel for many people around the world going through hardship," said Djokovic.

Earlier, the Serbian had stepped out on court at the O2 Arena to receive the trophy for ending the season at the top of the rankings.

Djokovic will begin his campaign for a sixth ATP Tour Finals title on Monday against Diego Schwartzman.