Tennis: ITF World Champions Djokovic and Barty

London, Dec 16 : World number one Novak Djokovic has been named the 2021 ITF World Champion for a record seventh time while Ash Barty won her second crown, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said on Thursday.

The 34-year-old Djokovic, who enjoyed another sensational year, finishing as the oldest-ever year-end No 1, has now moved ahead of fellow great Pete Sampras (six wins) for most mens ITF World Champion awards.

The Serbian won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon this year while he failed to win at the Tokyo Olympics and the US Open final in his quest for a rare golden slam."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," Djokovic said.

"I am very grateful and proud for the results Ive achieved and fortunate I had a chance to compete for the Serbian national team, too," he added.Meanwhile, the 25-year-old womens World number one Barty, who won her first Wimbledon title this year and a bronze medal at the Olympics in mixed doubles, previously won the award in 2019.

"Being the ITF World Champion in 2021 is something I am very proud of.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," the Australian said.

Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic were named 2021 ITF World Champions in mens doubles after a hugely successful season.Whereas, Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova won the womens doubles award for a second time.

Tennis: Djokovic, Barty named ITF World Champions

He said, "Im very proud and grateful for all the results that I have achieved." Barty was 25 years old and is the womens World number 1 in tennis.

She won this year her first Wimbledon title, as well as a bronze medal in the Olympics mixed doubles.The award was previously awarded in 2019.

Im very proud to have been the ITF World Champion for 2021.It is a privilege to be able to enjoy the sport that I love and make a living from it, even in an unpredictable year.

"I want to say thank you to my family and to my tennis team for all they have done and to the tennis fans from around the globe for their continued support," said the Australian.After a very successful season, Mate Pavic and Nikola Mektic were named the 2021 ITF World Champions for mens doubles.

Barbora Krejcikova, Katerina Siniakova were awarded the Womens Doubles Award for the second consecutive year.#Tennis #Djokovic #Barty #London.