Novak Djokovic is ITF Champion for a record 7th time

Novak Djokovic has been crowned the 2021 World Champion by the International Tennis Federation for a record seventh time.

The Serbian great finished the calendar year at the top of the ATP rankings winning the Wimbledon, Australian Open and French Open as well, only failing to win the US Open at the finals and also crashing out of the Olympics earlier this year.

Djokovic is tied with Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slams and could surpass them both if he wins next month's Australian Open - a tournament he has won a record nine (9) times.

"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.", the 34-year-old said.

Meanwhile, the Women's World No.1 Ash Barty has picked up her second crown as Champion of 2021 by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).  

Barty, who won her first Wimbledon title this year won also bronze medal at the Olympics in mixed doubles.

She previously swooped the award in 2019.

However, Croatian duo Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic were named ITF men's doubles world champions after winning nine titles this season.

While Czech duo Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova won the women's doubles award for a second time.