The records keep coming for Novak Djokovic, who is steadily writing his name into the history books in an era of unprecedented talent in the men’s game.

The 34-year-old Serbian enjoyed another sensational year, finishing as the oldest-ever year-end No. 1, and he has now moved ahead of fellow great Pete Sampras for most men’s ITF World Champion awards.

That accolade is just the latest in a long line of incredible achievements. Djokovic will likely remember 2021 for the near misses – he came agonisingly close to completing a calendar Grand Slam only to be denied by Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in the final at Flushing Meadow and he slipped up in the semi-finals of the men’s singles at Tokyo 2020 in his quest for a first Olympic gold medal.

But what Djokovic did accomplish is extraordinary. With three more Grand Slam titles to his name, he is now level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 major wins, he overtook Federer for most weeks at world No. 1 (353 and counting) and he picked up a further two titles en route to a 55-7 win-loss record.

Djokovic said: “After such a rewarding year for me, my team, family and fans, it is a great honour to be named the ITF World Champion for the seventh time. I am very grateful and proud for the results I’ve achieved and fortunate I had a chance to compete for the Serbian national team too.”

Barty maintained her position at the top of the women’s game thanks to five titles – none of which would have meant more to the 25-year-old Australian than realising a childhood dream by winning a first title at Wimbledon.

The fact that she was even able to take the court just one month after withdrawing from Roland Garros with a hip injury was an achievement in itself, but Barty made light of a difficult path to the final, taking out the likes of Roland Garros champion Barbora Krejcikova, fellow Aussie Ajla Tomljanovic and former Wimbledon winner Angelique Kerber before defeating Karolina Pliskova in a tense encounter on Centre Court.

The win was made all the more special as it came 50 years after Evonne Goolagong’s first victory at the All England Lawn Tennis Club. After winning, Barty, who shares indigenous heritage with Goolagong, said: “If I could be half the person Evonne is, I’d be a very happy person.”

While the grass court win might be the highlight of Barty’s year, she also enjoyed victories at Melbourne 2, Miami, Stuttgart and Cincinnati. And even though her first Olympic experience might have ended earlier than she would have liked in the women’s singles, she still managed to leave Tokyo with a bronze medal around her neck from the mixed doubles with John Peers.

“Being the ITF World Champion in 2021 is something I am very proud of,” Barty said. “I feel fortunate to play the sport I love for a living, especially in a year that was challenging and unpredictable for so many. I want to thank my team and my family for everything they do and a huge thank you to tennis fans around the world for continuing to support us.”