Djokovic begins record 390th week as world No 1, targets year-end No 1 again – ATP rankings update

The Serb says he wants to end the year on top for a record-extending eighth time

Zuma/Panoramic

September 11, 2023

Novak Djokovic officially returned to the top of the world rankings on Monday after he completed his US Open victory to take his Grand Slam title tally to a record-equalling 24.

The Serb, who became the oldest man to win the US Open in the Open era when he beat Daniil Medvedev on Sunday night, was assured of top spot after his first-round victory. He replaces Carlos Alcaraz at the top.

Novak Djokovic, you’ve made it 🏆@DjokerNole defeats Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to win his 4th #USOpen title 🙌

🎥 @usopen

pic.twitter.com/xGUV1zVX9k
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 10, 2023

Djokovic targets year-end No 1 record

Djokovic therefore begins his record-extending 390th week at the top of the ATP rankings and now has his sights set on ending the year No 1 for what would be a record-extending eighth time.

“It hasn’t been my goal since I’ve broken all the records in that regard; most weeks, most year-end No 1 seasons,” Djokovic told Serbian media after the final in New York. But if it comes as a consequence of great results, why not? Davis Cup is my priority until the end of the season, then I’ll see what the next tournaments are going to be.

“I have a lot of points to defend. We’ll see, but believe me, this (pointing to the US Open trophy) is the most important thing for me – if I finish the year as No 1, it’s just a bonus.”

Ruud the biggest faller in top 10, Shelton into top 20

While Medvedev consolidates his place as world No 3, and closes up on the top two, the biggest mover in the top 10 is in the wrong direction, with Casper Ruud falling four places to No 9. The Norwegian’s early loss in New York meant that he lost 1155 points and slipped down the list.

American Ben Shelton is up inside the top 20 for the first time, the 20-year=-old’s run to the semi-finals in New York taking up 28 places to a career-high No 19.

And there are new career-highs for Rinky Hijikata, at 82 and Swiss Dominic Stricker, at 90, after both enjoyed breakthrough Grand Slam runs at the US Open.