(London) Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka were crowned the International Tennis Federation world champions for the year 2023 on Thursday, after being the only singles players to have managed to qualify for the semi-finals of the four Grand Slam tournaments this season.

Djokovic, who finished the year at No. 1 in the ATP world rankings for the eighth time in his illustrious career, won the Australian Open, French Open and US Open to wear his collection personal record to 24 career Grand Slam titles – a record for men. He was also a finalist at Wimbledon, and completed the campaign with a record of 56-7.

He won the ITF world championship title for the eighth time in his career, another record.

PHOTO JASON DECROW, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS

Aryna Sabalenka

For her part, Sabalenka received this distinction for the first time in her career after winning the Australian Open – her first career major title. She was also a finalist at the US Open, and made the final four at the French Open and Wimbledon.

Sabalenka topped the WTA world rankings for the first time in her career in September, before finishing the year second behind Iga Swiatek. The Pole was also named player of the year by the WTA.