Novak Djokovic patted his chest, crouched down, placed his right hand on the court and looked inward.
It was clearly a moment to cherish for the 24-time grand slam champion after securing the year-end No.1 ranking for a record-extending eighth time.
Djokovic needed only one match win at the ATP Finals to be sure of keeping the top spot and he did it in his opener, beating Holger Rune 7-6 (4) 6-7 (1) 6-3 in a match spanning more than three hours.
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Djokovic ended a close first set with a blazing forehand return winner — then flexed his right biceps and held the pose for a few moments before unleashing an authoritative fist pump.
The 20-year-old Rune was making his debut at the season-ending tournament for the year's top eight players, and he took a set off Djokovic for the fourth time in five career meetings.
The Serb's frustration hit fever pitch early in the deciding set after giving up an early break when leading 2-0
Losing his temper, Djokovic subsequently smashed two racquets with his foot at the change of ends.
After regaining his composure, he was able to close out the match.
"It was a very emotional and tough win because of the significance of the match," Djokovic said. "That was added pressure and attention."
"It means a lot. You could see there were a lot of emotions on the court. I could feel it. I was very eager to win the match and get that monkey off my back."
Carlos Alcaraz took the honours in 2022 but the 36-year-old Djokovic bounced back this year by winning three of the four major titles and finishing runner-up to Alcaraz at Wimbledon.
"It always has been a huge objective and huge goal of mine to be No.1 in the world, Djokovic said.
"Other than grand slams, that's what counts the most.
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"To finish off the year as No.1 at this stage of my life and career is something really amazing."
After this tournament, Djokovic will become the first player to hold the No.1 ranking for 400 weeks, with Roger Federer at 310 the only other man to eclipse the 300-week mark.
If Djokovic raises the trophy next week, he'll break a tie with Federer and capture a record seventh title at the tour finals.
"A big goal is achieved. Everything else now is a bonus," Djokovic said.
Djokovic has won 19 straight matches since his five-set loss to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final in July.
Earlier in the green group, Jannik Sinner beat Stefanos Tsitsipas, 6-4 6-4.
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