Being No. 1 isn't for everyone, but Novak Djokovic embraces the challenge

[Torrent Disney]

 

LONDON -- If Novak Djokovic wins the ATP Finals for the sixth time next weekend, he will equal a record held by Roger Federer. Depending on the performances of Rafael Nadal over the coming eight days, it could also secure the year-end world No. 1 ranking for the sixth time, which would equal the record held by Pete Sampras.

When he won Wimbledon in the summer to claim his 16th Grand Slam title, Djokovic said his main goal is to chase down and overhaul Roger Federer (20) and Rafael Nadal (19) at the top of the list of all-time Grand Slam winners. To Djokovic, just like to all great champions, records matter.

Given his record in London, where he has won four of his five ATP Finals titles, Djokovic looks hugely confident and is likely to take some stopping once again. The winner of the Paris Masters last weekend, he kicked off his title bid in London's O2 on Sunday with an ultra-confident 6-2, 6-1 victory over Matteo Berrettini of Italy in his first round-robin match.

In an era when Federer and Nadal have achieved as much as they have, it is incredible to think that Djokovic could end up with more Grand Slam titles than them both. At 32, he is healthy and as fit as ever, and if he stays away from injuries, he will surely have many opportunities to add to his Grand Slam total and perhaps overtake the other two.