Data check: Novak Djokovic and a record-breaking week in Paris

Novak Djokovic returned to action last week for the first time since Daniil Medvedev dashed his dreams of a Calendar Slam in the US Open final in September. And the world No 1 did so in style at the Paris Masters.

He was even worried about the lack of match play and took part in the doubles to get ready for the final two events of the season. And his aim of playing the Paris Masters after a seven-week break from tennis was simple – finish the year as world No 1, breaking Pete Sampras’ record for most season-ending world No 1 finishes. The 34-year-old, who already broke Roger Federer’s record for most weeks as world No 1 (310) earlier in the year, was within touching distance of Sampras’ record.

But Djokovic not only finished as the world No 1 for the seventh time, he also reclaimed the record for most Masters 1000 titles by winning the trophy in the French capital... fittingly beating defending champion Medvedev in a thrilling final.

Against the Russian world No 2, as in the semi-final against Hubert Hurkacz and Marton Fucsovics in the opener, Djokovic had to fight from a set down to win. And he dug deep to ensure he clinched the record before playing the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin.

Djokovic had not been too concerned when he went a set down against a man he considers “the complete player” and who he expects to be world number one in the future.

“It was a very close match decided by small margins based on a few points here and there,” he said.

“I was very pleased how I held my nerves at the end and took the match point.

“I wanted to finish the end of season with a trophy and did not want to lock myself mentally and physically in stressful mode.

“I knew things would come together and I would work my way into the match.”

Djokovic said he had felt no hangover from the US Open defeat.

“I mean, I already closed that chapter,” he said.

“I am not regretting it or spending days suffering because I did not take the calendar slam this year.

“I have moved on from that and focussed on Masters event and came here and achieved what I wanted to do.”

It was a week where he broke records once again in what has been a stunning calendar year.

Here’s a look at some of the big numbers from Djokovic’s 37th Masters title and seventh season-ending top finish:

Most Year-End No. 1 Finishes in ATP Rankings:

Novak Djokovic: 7 (2011-12, 2014-15, 2018, 2020-21)

Pete Sampras: 6 (1993-98)

Jimmy Connors: 5 (1974-78) 

Roger Federer: 5 (2004-07, 2009) 

Rafael Nadal: 5 (2008, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019

Djokovic improved his record to 6-4 against Medvedev and now owns winning record against all 30 players whom he’s met at least 10 times. He also improves to 15-8 as No 1 vs No 2.

The 37th Masters 1000 title on Sunday secured Djokovic’s second record in as many days after he was confirmed as season-ending world number one for a seventh time. Already, the Serb is the only man to win all nine ATP Masters and he has done it twice. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who won the first three Majors in 2021, is the undisputed leader when it comes to the big titles.

Djokovic’s next possible milestones: 

Season-ending Masters/ATP Finals titles: 5, along with Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras. Roger Federer holds the record with six.

ATP titles: 86, behind Jimmy Connors (109, record), Roger Federer (103), Ivan Lendl (94) and Rafael Nadal (99)

With AFP inputs

Stats courtesy ATP Media Info and Ultimate Tennis Statistics