Novak Djokovic withdrew from the ATP Finals due to ongoing shoulder issues. However, the 38-year-old defended his fourth place on the ATP rankings list, with Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton failing to challenge the legend in Turin.
Thus, Djokovic closed another chapter of tennis history without even stepping on the court. The veteran secured his 16th year-end top-4 finish, surpassing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
The Swiss and the Spaniard stopped on 15 year-end top-4 honors, and Novak managed to pass them and top the charts following another incredible season in terms of consistency on the big stage.
Novak Djokovic at his BEST 🤩@djokernole pic.twitter.com/gCDYdRMCUF
— Rolex Shanghai Masters (@SH_RolexMasters) November 9, 2024
Another record fell in Djokovic's direction, which is nothing new! Despite missing many tournaments, including the ATP Finals, the 38-year-old stands 600 points ahead of his closest rival at the end of the season.
The Belgrade native's consistency has been nothing but staggering. Only two times since 2007 has Novak failed to finish the season among the top four figures, a level of consistency unmatched in our sport.
Even during injury-hit years and generational shifts, he remains firmly anchored at the summit near the players 15 years younger. Djokovic's year-end ranking position carries more than another record or a symbolic weight.
It delivers a priceless competitive advantage on the stage where he still wants to perform well in 2026. By locking in the no. 4 spot for this year's final standings, Novak guarantees to avoid Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner before the semi-final at the upcoming Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic, Athens 2025© Stream screenshot
With the two young superpowers dominating the biggest stages for two years, clear air on the veteran's side of the draw is invaluable. Of course, Djokovic knows they stand above him at the moment.
However, he still wants to challenge them in the closing stages, as he did this year, having reached the last four at all four Majors! Novak enters next season with history behind him and a clean runaway in front of him.
Things are not getting any easier due to physical issues typical for his age, but the 24-time Major winner refused to slow down. At 38, Novak still bends the sport to his rhythm and rewrites the limits of longevity well after achieving everything our sport has to offer.
