Novak Djokovic received his trophy on Sunday for finishing the year as the top-ranked player in men’s times for a record-equaling sixth time. While the Serbian superstar is obviously happy with the achievement, which he called ‘one of the biggest goals in sport’, he also explained why it is bitter-sweet this year.

“Very happy about it. It has been a strange season for all of us,” Djokovic said of his achievement.

It came in a year that saw no tennis being played for six months as most parts of the world were under lockdown to cope with the pandemic.

However, Djokovic feels he resumed where he left off in February, despite such a long break. Djokovic enjoyed a stunning run this season, where he had just one loss in 38 matches this year, at one stage. That loss was his disqualification at the US Open 2020.

“We restarted the season in August and I continued where I kind of stopped before the lockdown. Won many matches in a row and had a terrific run. I must be very pleased with the way things have went,” Djokovic continued.

Novak Djokovic reveals mixed emotions despite a great feat

The Monte Carlo-resident again termed his achievement as unreal.

“This is the crown of all achievements in the year. It’s unreal that I managed to win it. To finish as year-end number one for six times,” Djokovic expressed.

At the same time, he explained that he cannot ignore what is going around in the world. That is what brings mixed emotions to Djokovic, despite the enormity of his achievement.

“Super proud of it, but at the same time, mixed emotions a little bit because of what is going on in the world. I can’t be ignorant to that even though I achieved one of the biggest goals in sport. I still feel for many people around the world that are going through hardship. And my heart goes to them,” he further added.

He hopes the world emerges out of the pandemic soon, and in a much better state.

All about team-work

Djokovic also highlighted that while a tennis player is all by himself on the court, achieving such major feats is impossible without a team. In doing so, he thanked his team for helping him in the toughest of situations.

“Even though you are by yourself on the court, there’s a team of people that works very hard for you to have the highest possible performance when it’s most needed,” the 33-year-old expressed.

With his biggest goal for the season sealed, Djokovic will now focus on winning the ATP Finals after five years. He opens his campaign against Diego Schwartzman. If Djokovic wins his 6th title in London, he will equal Roger Federer‘s record of most ATP Finals titles.

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