The Serbian tennis ace ensured that he will end the year as world number one after beating Holger Rune in his opening match of the ATP Finals in Turin and has reflected fondly on a campaign that has seen him add three more Grand Slams titles to his vast collection.

Asked where the season ranks in his career, Djokovic said: "One of the best years. I wouldn't say the best, but one of the best.

"I mean, the fact that I've won three out of four Slams and played a final in the fourth and it's still not the best year of my life, it's quite nice to have that kind of situation.

"It's definitely one of the best seasons. I had a couple of years, I think three times, that I won three out of four Slams in a season…in those years, I won more matches. I mean, I played more tournaments. I was really feeling very dominant on the tour.

"It's quite different circumstances this year comparing to all the other years because I played, what, 10, 11 tournaments this year."

The 24-time major winner added: "I just managed to peak at the right tournaments, at the right time. That's what matters to me really. I mean, Grand Slam season, one of the best for sure.

"Overall, especially in the last couple months, I haven't lost a match since Wimbledon, so...I've been feeling great on the court and playing really well. But it's hard to compare."

Djokovic also spoke of his pride at confirming himself as the year-end number one once again.

He said: "It always has been a huge objective and huge goal of mine to be No. 1 in the world. Other than Grand Slams, that's what counts the most. To finish off the year as No. 1 in the world at this stage of my life and career is something really amazing."