Novak Djokovic finished the year at the top of the ATP for the eighth time, improving a record he already held.
Djokovic has won three of the four Grand Slam tournaments – the Australian Open in January, Roland Garros in June and Flushing Meadows in September.
He brought his career total of major titles to 24, a men’s record. He was a finalist in the other stage of the Grand Slam, at Wimbledon. Djokovic went 56-7 and led the tour with seven titles including the ATP Finals last month.
The 36-year-old Serbian regained first place from Carlos Alcaraz, who beat him in a five-set final at the All England Club in July. Alcaraz ends 2023 in second place. The two men have exchanged leads several times this year.
Djokovic eclipsed his own mark as the oldest player to dominate the ATP at the end of a season; he was 34 years old in 2021. His first eight year-end positions widen the gap ahead of the previous record holder, Pete Sampras, who did it six times.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have each finished at No. 1 five times, as has Jimmy Connors.
Daniil Medvedev closed 2023 as number three in men’s tennis. The highest ranked Canadian is Quebecer Félix Auger-Aliassime, at 29e rank.
Swiatek for the ladies
Iga Swiatek won the top spot in the WTA year-end rankings for the second year in a row. She made sure of it by winning the WTA Finals last month. Swiatek earned a fourth career major championship at Roland Garros.
Melbourne queen Aryna Sabalenka finished second. She is followed by Coco Gauff, the champion in New York.
Quebecer Leylah Fernandez finished 35ethe best rank among Canadians.