"Everything else now is a bonus": Novak Djokovic clinches Year End No.1 for the eighth time after needed win at ATP Finals

Novak Djokovic continues to defy belief and adds yet another accolade to his collection with an eighth career Year End No.1 ranking secured after winning his ATP Finals opener in Turin.

Djokovic saw off Holger Rune 7-6, 6-7, 6-3 in the end in a match where emotions were high he admitted which even saw tensions boil over and the 24-time Grand Slam champion obliterated two racquets.

But Djokovic kept his cool in the final set to claim it and also end another year where he is the king of tennis. It has been one with three Grand Slam titles, four Grand Slam finals and he is continuing to be World No.1 despite having a lesser schedule than any of the other top names.

36 years old and no signs of stopping from the Serbian who admitted post match that everything now is truly a bonus as he approaches the rest of the ATP Finals aiming to break another record by passing Roger Federer for a seventh ATP Finals crown.

“It took everything. It was in the first game when he fired shots from the baseline in the first 3 or 4 points.. I knew it would be a tough night for me. If I wanted to win this match, I’d have to work really hard.. The significance of tonight’s match.. knowing if I won I’d clinch the #1 ranking. It means a lot," said Djokovic.

"You could see there was a lot of emotions on the court. I could feel it. I was eager to win tonight & get that monkey off my back. I won Paris, which put me in a much better position rankings wise. I knew coming into Torino, I’d just have to win 1 match. A big goal is achieved. Everything else now is a bonus.”