Novak Djokovic lifts the World No. 1 Trophy at a plush ceremony in Montreal – Tennis News
At an elaborate ceremony on the sidelines of the inauguration of the People’s Court in Montreal, currently reigning World No.1 Novak Djokovic was officially bequeathed with the ceremonial ATP No. 1 Trophy on Monday. Djokovic is
the 25th player to have the unique honour of winning this coveted trophy since the start of the open era in 1973.
A visibly elated Djokovic beamed after receiving the magnificent glass trophy from ATP President & Executive Chairman Adam Helfant at the on court ceremony. “It’s an extreme honour for me to receive this trophy knowing the names
of the players who have won this trophy in the past tennis history,” said Djokovic. Indeed the venue for the ceremony too had been aptly chosen; the Serb had won his biggest win of the year 2007 at the Rogers Cup final. Djokovic had overthrown the top 3 at
the time Andy Roddick, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in quick succession during the tournament and by doing so had become the only other player to have defeated both Federer and Nadal in the same tournament, while they were World No.1 and 2. Hence being rewarded
at Montreal was the proverbial ‘icing on the cake’, so to say.
Djokovic, who boasts a 48-1 win loss record for the season, will be playing his debut match at the Rogers Cup since becoming World No.1 at the Wimbledon earlier this year. However it would be best if the Serb remains wary because
no former World No.1 has ever won a title at their inaugural tournament following ascension. However if the confident No. 1 manages to pull through, Djokovic will become the only player in tennis history to have amassed all five ATP World Tour Masters 1000
titles in a single season.
Tennis is currently going through its most aggressive period in recent times. When Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick or the likes had ascended to the top spot the playing field had been a lot wider. Competition is a lot
fiercer, with many young players primed to threaten Djokovic’s nascent rank and this is what makes Djokovic’s victory all the more significant. Helfant seconds this saying, “That’s what makes what Novak has achieved absolutely incredible, so much so that it’s
not just a tennis story, it’s been one of the biggest stories in the world of sports this year.”
Other than the young crowd; veteran Roger Federer, the ‘hungry tiger’ Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray are all waiting in the flanks looking for an opportune moment to strike back. If Djokovic aims to retain hold of the trophy for
more than Federer’s 237 weeks, he should concentrate on improving his mental coordination and strength.
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